Sitting alone in the lounge is where things found Krang this night. He wasn’t a heavy drinker, but the normal run of explorers wasn’t to be found at this point. While chatting with a few neighbors on bar stools, he overhears a discussion about engines of a design that was unlike any other he has. Drunk or not, he had to see if he could manage to get some information.
Finding his introduction was unwanted didn’t stop him at first, but the lack of warmth in the conversation did so he returned to his now cold stool to resume his wait for supplies. After a bit, the once cold shoulder motions for him to come over so having sobered up somewhat, Krang does. The topic of conversation is light and very short… When the topic is about money, details are not the important part.
As luck would have it, this new found friend simply needed a delivery done for which he would pay well. It was a long trip out to Anteres and it would take some work to make it profitable to do. For some reason Krang felt at ease around this person, so doing the job straight away was of no concern. Anything to be able to gain access to those engine designs. Often thinking like a Terran got him into trouble, but this was a prize to be had.
Krang always had some way to get jobs done and this one could be completed with the help of a friend named Twangee. Asking friends for things and paying people for services at times appear a gray area when it came to a Terran Trader and Krang was no different. He always paid people if that’s what it took and when it came to money any good Trader had enough to get the job done.
With that in mind, Krang heads for his ship with the cargo already being loaded. As he was told, clearance from the station was already approved once he arrived in the docking bay, so he left without his supplies this trip.
Krang: Computer, open a channel to Twangee. Let’s see what he’s up to these days. Maybe we can get a ride to save some time.
Computer: Channel opened.
Twangee: Hello Krang, how may I help you?
Krang: Well, if you aren’t busy, I’d like to see if I could get a ride to make a delivery.
Twangee: What kind of delivery would require the services of an explorer?
Krang: Well, that's just it… the delivery doesn’t, but I do. You see I have to make a run out to Anteres System, Anteres Frontier. I’d also like to get assistance returning to Carpenter once the delivery is complete. I can pay you well.
Twangee: Money is not of much interest to me, but my ship is in need of repairs. I will transfer some coordinates and meet you there straight away; I have business at Paren Station so can give you a ride to there.
Krang: Thank you friend that will do fine, see you in a few. Computer, lock the coordinates and proceed maximum warp when ready.
Computer: Navigation systems are online and ready. Warp engines engaging in 3 seconds sir.
Krang: Computer, bring the cargo manifest up on my station please.
Computer: The manifest simply lists destination Anteres Frontier, but delivery details are not available sir. Would you like me to contact the station to verify information?
Krang: No computer let me know when Twangee arrives. I’ll be in the back.
Computer: Distance to position is 46.7K. Twangee has not arrived.
[The ship arrives at the noted spot and shortly Twangee arrives]
Twangee: How long will you be Krang? My work at Paren is short.
Krang: Just long enough for me to get to Anteres. When you finish, why don’t you proceed to there and we can meet up?
Twangee: That will do, ready for wormhole in 3 seconds.
Krang: Computer follow Twangee into the wormhole when ready.
[Once the wormhole formed, arriving at Paren station was rather quick]
Krang: Thanks for the ride take this for your time and I will see you shortly for the return trip. Computer transfer the credits to Twangee.
Twangee: Krang, you are most generous. I will complete my work and follow you to Anteres.
Krang: Computer set a course for Anteres and engage warp engines, dock on arrival and let me know when we are in contact with the station.
[Krang arrives at the station and makes delivery, heading back he meets up with Twangee on his return toward Paren. Krang, upon returning to Carpenter, docks at Orsini for payment on the delivery.]
Krang takes his place in the lounge awaiting arrival of the mysterious person that hired him. Wondering to himself about the lack of details for this delivery, he gets the feeling that someone is watching him. Turning around he finds that the person has arrived and gets up from his stool to meet him. This time the greeting is much warmer with the name Tzu offered for his contact.
Tzu: I see you have completed the delivery and in good time might I add. You have no idea how much those supplies will help. And now for your payment…
Krang: That’s it? Not much payment is it more like a rip-off, what are you a pirate?