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Chapter 7 - Job Offer

Over the skies of Anarch City, New Vega

The Star Wanderer flew over the skies of Anarch City. Steadily it lowered and lowered around the outskirts of the city landing in a canton that lay just outside the city.

"We are still criminals after all" Bjorn said as he landed the ship. "Not being seen here is the best way to avoid issues with the FTPA"

"Agreed" Lena echoed in a monotone voice.

"Enough of that guys. It's time to see what this city has to offer!" Klein excitedly jumped to leave the ship.

Anarch City was the last stronghold against the United Corporations here on New Vega. The people who gathered here were mercenaries, freedom fighters, or criminals, sometimes all three. Walking through the gates Klein and Bjorn looked around. Tall skyscrapers and shabby huts were littered along paved and makeshift roads. Neon signs gleamed all around them advertising various products and services.

"What we need now is information. Let's go to a bar or something." Klein said.

"Lead the way" Bjorn conceded.

_________________________________________

Walking up to a shady bar in a partially destroyed skyscraper Klein and Bjorn saw a crowd of questionable character. Most turned to glare at them as they walked up to the bar where a woman stood making drinks. She was a tall woman almost as tall as Bjorn with several cybernetic prosthetics.

"Welcome in gentlemen. What can I do for you?" She said in a raspy voice.

"Hello, my name is Bjorn. This is my buddy Klein" Klein smiled while pointing at Bjorn.

Bjorn's face turned visibly deadpan when he heard this. 'Really? Couldn't think of a better alias'

"Listen, me and my buddy here need some info. Do you know where we can fix up a ship for cheap?" Klein continued.

"It'll cost you. Nothings free here." She replied.

Klein pulled in closer to her and handed her 50 credits. "Is this enoigh?"

Looking at her hand the bartender burst out laughing. "50 credits?! You can't be serious"

"What? Too much?" Klein asked in a confused tone.

Even more laughter resounded through the bar. At this point the crooks and mercenaries around were all looking in their direction.

"Too much?!! Oh you really are funny kid. From what back end planet did you come from to think 50 credits is enough for reliable information?" The bartender laughed harder.

"Not too much now." Bjorn stepped up. "We just need to find a good repair station that will fix up our ship for cheap. No need to get so worked up."

"Look at this big man." The bartender smirked. "For you big guy I might take those 50"

"Great! Where is a good one?" Klein piped up.

"Not so fast little guy. I need a favor first" She cut in. "Follow me"

_________________________________________

In a back room filled with smoke Klein and Bjorn sat on a couch facing the bartender. She was sitting on a couch opposite to theirs fiddling with her cybernetics.

Looking around Klein spoke up. "So what exactly do you need from us lady?"

"The United Corporations are sending some cargo to Fort Knock. Their closest outpost to this city. I need you guys to intercept their convoy and either destroy that cargo or get it back to me. If you do that not only will I personally introduce you to the best mechanic around, I'll pay you 50,000 credits." She explained.

"50,000! Holy shit where do I sign?!" Klein exclaimed.

"Not so fast Klein. Let's think about this for a second." Bjorn grabbed Klein's arm.

"I thought you were Klein" The bartender spoke pointing at Bjorn. "It seems introductions are in order" She continued.

"Hahaha... It seems so" Klein replied. "I'm Klein and this is Bjorn" He continued.

"My name is Jenny. Now are you taking the job or not?"

"That depends. Can we see the credits?" Klein replied, calming his excitement.

Jenny reached to her side and grabbed a briefcase. Placing it on the table she opened its hinges. "Go ahead."

A hesitant hand reached for the briefcase. Taking a deep breath Klein flipped it open revealing the money.

"Holy... That's a fuck ton of money" Klein whispered to himself. "That settles it tgen. We're taking the job." He reached out a hand.

"Pleasure doing business with you." Jenny replied taking his hand into her own.

_________________________________________

Back on the ship.

"... And that's what went down" Klein finished recalling the events of today back to Lena's head.

"50,000... That's a hefty sum. Do you know the defense capabilities of the convoy?" Lena asked.

"The convoy will consist of 5 speed fighters and the main cargo ship. As far as defenses the main cargo ship will definitely be stacked with the most advanced shields possible but we can break through eventually. The speed fighters might be the actual problem here. Our defenses are cooked and we have no money to gix them at the moment. We'll have to quickly destroy all 5 and then move on to the cargo ship." Bjorn explained

"I'll do what I can about pur defenses for now. I'm no mechanic but I have some basic knowledge as an engineer. It should be easy enough to get our shields up and running." Klein declared.

"We'll leave it to you then." Bjorn replied

"We have 2 weeks until the convoy arrives. Let's do everything possible to prepare for the job. When the time comes we'll be 50 tousand credits richer!" Klein enthused.

"Just one question." A robotic voice chimed in. "When am I getting a body? I'll be able to help more if I could move on my own. I am a protector droid as well as a pilot, I can do more than just talk."

"Of course! That's my first order of business. Before I work on the shields I'll create the perfect body for you." Klein reassured his crewmate. "It won't take long at all. All I need is the proper materials and this place has to have some shady guys we can steal it from."

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