At the spaceport 3/3

Previous

Marek:

A million thanks. Got your message just in the nick. Saw a few sour gentlemen with heavy tools going in the In door as I was going out the Out door.

You were right. Caught flat-footed, should have paid attention. Didn't think Beanie had it in him, really. I haven't got it fully unraveled yet, but it sounds like he convinced Management that I've had my hand in the till this whole time. Even blew some lovely smoke about me sabotaging the gig last week to cover my tracks. Rubbish.

I never took more than was expected. You know that. Just a taste. A man doesn't skim a little for himself, you start to wonder why.

It doesn't matter now. I sent a few careful inquiries out, trying to find out what price makes it right. Sounds like it's a bridge too far. &quot;Come on in,&quot; they said. &quot;We're all adults, we'll have a productive discussion and find a way out of it.&quot; You know what that means. When they start being friendly, it's time to run.

So it's last call for me, friend Marek. I thought about running to the other hemisphere, dig a deep hole, ride out the storm, but I think we both know that won't cut it this time. I also thought about finding a lovely little corner where I can blow through the last of my credits in style before they take me. But that old self-preservation instinct is hard to shake. I'm just not done yet.

I'm off, then. I won't say where, but if you've been paying attention at all I think you'll have a good idea of the only direction left. As soon as i send this, I'm emptying my pockets into the nearest garbage can, gritting my teeth, and preparing for &quot;adventure.&quot;

They better have good food on these things.