The Shady Shade

Grave snapped his eyes open breathing heavily then closed them back tightly praying that the lingering images would go away. He tried desperately to put some hint of order in the chaos that was his mind, but felt he didn't have enough energy for it. Why did that dream always come back to him in the worse moment? He stared at the dark ceiling of his quarters for a moment longer then got up. He threw his legs over the edge of the bed and without even bothering to put his boots on he staggered into the bathroom. He turned on the lights, went straight for the sink and froze. In the virtual screen of the mirror someone had placed a picture of him sleeping and had the audacity to write the words 'how cute' under it. He looked down at his naked body and back at the image, registering the bruise on his left shoulder that he had in common with his virtual self. She had been here, in his room a few moments ago. He vaguely remembered the voice in his dream and sighed exasperated, just before realization hit him.
Scurrying to get his clothes on he almost fell twice, then bolted for the cargo bay to check on his crates. He opened box after box, but nothing seemed to be missing. Still, he tried to push the feeling of relief away until he could check...He reached one of the smaller cases and looked inside. His client promised him a reward that would set him up for a long time from now for this item. It was rare and extremely hard to get not to mention that he'd wasted some really good equipment while trying to attain it. He doubted his client would understand the joke behind the piece of paper that was lying at the bottom of the box with a smile drawn on it.
- Damn that woman!