24. Titan (Flashback)

[Renekin Skywalker]

Bridge

Tawfeek sighed at Jessica's news.

"Well, it beats fuel runs," He said to Jessica. "Alright, bring the others back to the ship..."

"Sir?" Jessica paused, looking at Tawfeek.

Tawfeel looked out the bridge view ports to the interior of the Galaxy's hanger bay on Titan. They had been there for a month, going back and forth, even seeding communication satellite upgrades for the mining ships.

"I just find it odd now, and not a month ago," he said. "We should have enough for the fuel to get us home. Make the call."

Jessica watched Tawfeek and then headed out.

Titan's Hotel and Shopping district.

The hotel and shopping district contained all of two doors, at the end of a hall - one across the hall from the other. In case there was confusion, one was marked "Hotel", the other marked "Shopping mall".

Tawfeek had let the crew have time off there, instead of resting on the ship. The hotel was clean enough, being used to providing for business elites coming for their investments. The shopping mall had a few stores, but even a lack-lustre shopper would be through it in half an hour. It was stocked well enough for the miners, with clothes, gear and battery-powered... equipment. But not really a shopping mall for the vacationing ragamuffins who travel space.

Jessica exited the shipping mall, and entered the hotel, to see the Mensk, Foreman and McKenna eating.

"Hi guys," She said, sitting down with them.

[dakota]

This was the best part. Real food, not reconstituted or hydroponic. Or at least had the illusion because she wasn't growing or cooking it. When Jess arrived, she quickly gulped down the mouthful she had and beckoned their crewmate over. "Grab a seat." She pushed an empty chair back with her foot.

[Dome]

Foreman looks up from his meal, "hey Jess. The captain let you come a shore too? Have you eaten yet? You should order something, my treat," he says to her with a smile.

[kurff]

Mengsk nodded as he read a paper and took a bite out of a Turkey Sub. he continued reading the paper he had in his hand.

[Renekin Skywalker]

Hotel Restaurant

Jessica made herself comfortable and waved for a drink.

"Captain's got a job that will get use back in-system," She said. "So, we'll be leaving sooner than planned."

[Dome]

"Is that wise," Flip asks. "I mean with the dominion and all that," he says before taking a drink.

[kurff]

"Have to get some paying work. and as long as we don't get in anyone's cross hairs we should be fine." Mengsk said, "Companies that favor profits over politics will need people like us. They should shield us as long as we have there cargo and will likely pay in trade or fuel directly instead of traceable cash or credits." he thought out loud looking up from his paper.

[Renekin Skywalker]

"I don't think the Dominion will get in our way," Jessica answered. "It's not the kind of job that would draw a lot of attention."

She didn't answer Mensk directly, except to say that "Tawfeek wants us to stay under their radar, either way. So, we won't take any other jobs, for the trip back."

[dakota]

"Why do I have a bad feeling when you make it sound like a really boring cargo and trip back?" McKenna asked, leaning back in her seat.

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Because if I made it sound exciting, you would all let your guards down," Jessica responded, taking a drink of her drink.

[dakota]

"So instead you make it sound boring so we don't want to go? Not exactly a motivating approach, Jess." McKenna said as she shifted in her seat. As she did, her leg brushed up against Flip's.

[Dome]

Flip feels the pressure on his leg and leans into it, "Jess, I think you have that backwards. Tell us its dangerous and risky we will be watching over our shoulder the whole time. Boring and we will just want to nap our way through it. I for one still thinks its a risk so I'll be keeping one eye on the sensors the whole time. If the boss wants it we do it or lose our ride," he says. He glances from Jess to the Doctor. He was unsure of the relationship they shared, hell he was unsure of the relationship him and MJ had.

He asks Jess, "so how long do we have before we head out? Any chance of getting a few more hands on deck?"

[Renekin Skywalker]

"Maybe I'm hoping things will get interesting," Jessica said, shifting closer to McKenna.

"We'll be leaving as soon as Tawfeek gets things settled with the port authority," she said to Foreman. "Probably in half a day."

[Dome]

"Good, I would hate to have to run back now. I'd prefer a nice slow departure instead of a rush. Guess we should think about heading back to the ship though to start the process. Can anyone think of anything we need to pickup before heading for the ship," he asks those gathered.

[dakota]

"I like interesting." McKenna said, caught in between the two. Her knee pressed against Flip's while the other shifted to press up against Jessica's. " So how do we kill a half day? I guess I should pick up a few things to stay sane on the way back."