Han nodded and tried to give Jacks an assuring smile. “Of course! This guy should be quick and easy. I’ll be home in plenty of time.”
“Just make sure you’re there for Christmas," Jacks said. “You’ve missed the last two Christmases. Some of the younger cousins are growing up, and you're missing it!”
Guilt made Han wince. “I’ll be there.”
The information square sitting on the floor next to them dinged. Jacks looked over, read something, then sighed. “I’ve got to get back to work. There’s a kiosk overheating in one of the hotels. I tell them not to use the cheap reservoir pump and radiator, but they never listen to me.”
“Cheap components means job security,” she reminded him, standing up and kicking down her trouser leg. She was about to invite him to drinks with Tulma and the girls when the small information square in her bag pinged.
She pulled it out to read the brief message from Gilmo.
Contract# 237791 was reported on Filsin Station.Don’t get kidnapped. If you end up in the Talin Empire, we might not be able to get you back.
Filsin Station was only one quick flight from here. It was so close there was a dedicated fling between Filsin and this station, Thisher. A fling was a slingshot system that sent a ship back and forth between stations or planets. Filsin and Thisher had one that flew several times a day. If she hurried, she’d catch the next fling going there.
She still had her travel bag on her shoulder, so she didn’t even need to run back to the small room she rented on the station.
Ignoring Gilmo’s warning, Han sent some credits to the tavern to cover several rounds of drinks and sent an apology to her friends. With that taken care of, she needed to run or she’d have to wait almost an entire day for the next fling.
“I’ll see you later!” she said to Jacks before sprinting off.
“Be home for Christmas!" he shouted back.
“With bells on my wrists and presents all wrapped up!” Han yelled with a laugh. After this bounty, she might never have to leave again!
Chapter 2
Han
Much like her Thisher, Filsin Station was owned and run by Ugarians. She even saw a few familiar faces as she fought to get off the fling. One of them saw her troubles and came to help.
“Ohhhh! Han!” Maslo said. He was quick to shove a couple of other Ugarians out of the way so she didn’t get pushed back into the fling.
Once the two of them were standing outside the flow of traffic, he snorted with amusement. “You’re so tiny no one can see you.”
Han rolled her eyes. “Like you’re so tall!” Although Maslo was much taller than her, he was only average height for an Ugarian male.
Maslo nudged her in retaliation. The “gentle” nudge sent her flying into a nearby safety bot. Her leg hit the bottom edge of the bot’s cage body, making her hiss in pain.
Maslo gasped in surprise and grabbed her. “Han, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
Even though her leg was throbbing, she patted Maslo’s arm reassuringly. “It’s fine. Help me get out of the fling bay and all’s forgiven.”
“Easily done!” Maslo said. “Follow me.”
Han hitched her bag a little higher on her shoulder and fell in step behind him. With him making way, they moved from the cramped area, through the bottleneck at the entrance, and finally to the open corridor beyond.
Breathing out a sigh of relief, she faced Maslo. “Thanks, big guy. That was really helpful.”
At her words, Maslo’s ears twitched a little with happiness. “I’m very big and strong compared to you,” he agreed. “Do you need an escort anywhere else?”
“I don’t need an escort,” she said, digging out her information square and tapping it until she found the bounty information Gilmo sent her. “Have you seen this Talin?”
Maslo looked at her square and waggled his ears, the Ugarian version of a shrug. “I’ve never seen that species before.”
“There’s one on this station, and if I can get him back to Gilmo, I might not have to hunt bounties anymore,” Han said. She hoped Maslo would offer to access the station’s observation system, but instead the Ugarian’s ears moved outward and folded down. It was usually a sign of displeasure or distress.
“I don’t think he’s a danger to you or anyone!” she rushed to say, in case he was scared of the bounty. “I promise I’ll subdue him and get him out of here quickly so there isn’t even a ruckus.”
