Setting
All space-faring traffic in and out of Wing City arrives and departs from here. There are launch towers for older models of spacecraft, and quantum-distortion field panels for the newer gravitational assistance systems.
Customs
There are currently no customs in place.
Kari and her twin brother Cord, both humans as near as anyone could tell, aside from their eyes, silver with orange rings in the irises, were working on the two outboard engine pods. Aurora, a tall, curvy woman dressed in a tight black suit was working on the targeting servos on the ship's forward anti-personnel guns that were used often during quick extractions and entrances.
"Afternoon' crew," Austin called out to the working soldiers as he neared the ship, briefly flashing his badge to the whole of the troops, "the name's Marshall. Could I have a word with the owner of this ship? 'Shouldn't take too long." The agent's gaze hovered over each of the mercenaries individually, lingering on Aurora for a short time. The agent gave the attractive a knowing wink.
"Call it a 'routine checkup.' The TNG likes to keep tabs on its more colorful citizens... and an alien mercenary clan is about as colorful as it gets," Austin grinned, shrugging innocently. "Your records are all up to date and you're completely registered with the government. You're not in any kind of trouble, Mr. Festus. Just a checkup." He looked passed the Paradron's frame, briefly allowing another quick pass-over of the crew.
"...naturally, I assume you're not keeping anything on this ship that would threaten Terran security..."
"There's been a helluva' lotta rumor lately concerning your ship... and if the TIB is willing to send me down to investigate, that means that there's also some evidence. The Bureau doesn't operate on rumor. We work facts." Austin stuffed a hand into his pocket, taking another brief look about the hangar. "Mr. Festus, do you know what a 'Dark Angel' is?"
Aurora for her part didn't seem to be paying any attention to him, still working on the guns, there were four guns, each with multiple servos and they all had to be aligned perfectly, made it hard for Twig or Sandra to make pickups when she shot her own crew instead of the ones attacking them.
The agent clicked his tongue, raising an eyebrow. "...wouldn't you believe when we found out that YOUR ship was SMOTHERED in that same signature. Quite a coincidence, huh?"
"If what you are saying is correct Agent Marshal, than I believe I can offer a valid explanation. Whatever the Black Angel's used as a power source for there suits is here, perhaps even powering the the ship itself, or maybe me. The point it no one knows what the Angel's used as a power source because no one was able to truly study them." said Twig.
"He's right, according to Extranet there is very little hard data on the Black Angels, almost everything is rumors and artist interpretations of the old stories." said Kord, holding up his own data pad as he came over as well.
"However, I DO agree with you that the signature coming from your ship could simply be from their technology. If that's the case, then I'd very much like to examine it... if we can find it, of course." Austin raised a curious eyebrow. "...also, I never at all accused Aurora of being a Black Angel. You did that yourself, just now." The agent peered over at the girl, offering her a handsome smile. "...now that you mention it though, I'd very much like to interview her myself. Privately."
"...Ms... Albine, is it?" Austin cocked his head, no more then a few feet away from the working pilot, "I don't supposed you could spare a few minutes of your time?"
Adrian watched with a small chuckle, even he had a hard time getting words out of her. And Twig, who if you let him would talk incessantly could almost never provoke a response.
Adrian watched with a small chuckle, even he had a hard time getting words out of her. And Twig, who if you let him would talk incessantly could almost never provoke a response.
"...we can do it the hard way."
Humans, if it doesn't do what you want, shoot it until it does, that very thought made her scowl.
"Since you're eager to be rid of me, why don't we put a wager on it?" Austin was taking a risk, but he saw no other way of getting to this girl. "A short scrap. You and me. No guns, no weapons... fist to fist. If you win, you'll never see me or any TNG operative ever again. If I win, you comply with my demands. All of them." It sure as hell wasn't protocol, but it was a gambit Austin was willing to take.