Smuggler's Blues: A Storm Hawks Story

Chapter Three - An Unlikely Partnership

After escaping the gang, Blackjack Jet and Tara rode on the old cruiser out of Terra Skavis. When they were clear, the Blizzarian Smuggler began to slightly relax. 

Blackjack Jet: Well that could've gone better......

Tara: What now?

Before Blackjack Jet could answer, he got a call on his holocommunicator. Dread immediately fell on the Blizzarian's face as he answered it. When he did, the holoimage of a a Raptor woman wearing battle armor. 

Blackjack Jet: Hey Rasha....

Rasha(Holoimage): Where are my blasters, Captain?

Blackjack Jet: Yeah about that.....

Rasha(Holoimage): Where. Are. My. Blasters?

As Blackjack Jet tried to think of an answer, Tara saw the fear on the Blizzarian's face. Based on the information he gave about Rasha, it seemed apparent that the fear was real. 

Blackjack Jet: I lost them.

Rasha(Holoimage): Where where did you lose them? It's not a set of fucking keys, is it? And it's not like it's fucking inconspicuous, now is it?!

Blackjack Jet: Listen! I can explain!

Rasha(Holoimage): You better have a good explanation for this, Captain! I paid a lot of money for those blasters!

Blackjack Jet: I delivered them to the place like you asked! Next thing you know, the guy at drop off point double crossed me and stole your blasters along with my ship!

In that moment, it became clear that Rasha was angry. The Blizzarian's mind was scattered trying to find a solution to salvage it. 

Blackjack Jet: Listen Rasha, I'm looking for the guy as we speak! I just need some time! 

Rasha(Holoimage): DO I LOOK LIKE I'M FUCKING PATIENT?! I SPENT A FORTUNE ON THOSE BLASTERS AND YOU FUCKING LOSE THEM?! IF THE COLONEL FINDS OUT ABOUT THIS, HE'LL TRY TO MOVE IN ON MY TERRITORY! DO YOU HAVE ANY FUCKING IDEA HOW FUCKED THIS SITUATION IS?!

Blackjack Jet: You'll get your blasters Rasha! I'm working on it as we speak! Just give me some time!

Silence filled the room as Jet piloted the cruiser. After a moment of silence, Rasha seemed to calm down. 

Rasha(Holoimage): One week. You have one week to find my blasters. 

Blackjack Jet: You won't be sorry Rasha! I'll have your blasters in no time!

Rasha(Holoimage): You're on thin fucking ice, Captain and I shall be under it when it breaks. I'm taking a chance with this. Don't make me regret it. 

Blackjack Jet: Rasha, you're a wonderful human being!

Blackjack Jet then ended the call. As soon as he did, he breathed a sigh of relief. Tara soon began speaking. 

Tara: What now, Captain?

Blackjack Jet: First off, I'm dropping you off to the nearest daycare center or some shit. Then I'm gonna go find Oz and get my ship and Rasha's blasters!

Tara: Like hell you are! You need me on this Captain!

Blackjack Jet: I'm in enough deep shit as it is! Last thing I need is to watch over a kid!

Tara: Do you even know where to start? 

As Tara said that, Jet tried to think of places Oz would go to. He soon quickly realized that he didn't have the slightest idea of where he would go. 

Tara: My point exactly. I know where Oz will go. 

Blackjack Jet: Then cough it up so I can get him.

Tara: Only if you let me come with you. 

At this point, Blackjack Jet just wanted to get this over with. He had only a week to find Oz and get Rasha's blasters. 

Blackjack Jet: Fine. But if you cause any grief with me, you're out. Clear?

Tara: Crystal, Captain. 

Blackjack Jet: Good. Now where to first?

Tara: He might try to pawn your ship over in Terra Atmosia. He's got a few contacts there. 

Blackjack Jet: Oh like hell he is!

In that moment, an unlikely alliance was formed between Blackjack Jet and Tara as the pair began the journey to Terra Atmosia. Meanwhile in her compound on an unnamed Terra, Rasha grew frustrated at the situation. One of her men soon entered the office. 

Thug: Hey Rasha! We got a.....

Before he could answer, Rasha shot him in the face with an Energy Pistol. As he fell dead to the floor, her enforcer entered. 

Enforcer: Apologies for the interruption, but the Shadow Hound is here about the job. 

Rasha: Send him in. 

The enforcer then left the office. Moments later, the Shadow Hound entered the office while calmly stepping over the body of the thug Rasha just killed. 

Shadow Hound: I heard you had a job for me. 

Rasha: Yes. There's a Blizzarian smuggler by the name of Blackjack Jet. I want you to find him. When you do, I want you to bring him to me.

Shadow Hound: Shouldn't be a problem. And my fee?

Rasha: Paid in full upon completion. I trust that won't be an issue?

Shadow Hound: None at all. Where do I start?

Rasha: Terra Skavis. I expect him to be long gone by now. 

Shadow Hound: I should be able to pick up a trail rather quickly. Anything else I should know?

Rasha: There's a cache of blasters missing. If he has them, bring them to me undamaged.

Shadow Hound: A delivery job is gonna cost you extra. 

Rasha: I will pay whatever is appropriate. 

Shadow Hound: Then we have a deal. I'll get started immediately. 

The Shadow Hound soon left Rasha's compound and began his search for Blackjack Jet. With time against him, the Blizzarian smuggler would scour through Atmos to find Oz and get the blasters back from him along with his ship. Failure to do so will be a fate worse than death.