Chapter 6

The transport platform bustles with the excitement of people heading off for new and exciting worlds. The wind whistles through my hair as I stare at the behemoth cruiser on dock 421.
"Say the word, Piper and I won't go."
It's so tempting to ask, but it would be death sentence. I whisper, "You need to go."
"At least say what was between us wasn't just bullshit."
I curse the tears running down my face. "It was truest thing I've ever felt, but we need to find our paths. Who knows maybe that path will lead back to each other."
A whistle sounds from the cruiser and a man yells, "Last call, all aboard."
"Go on, do us proud."
He wraps his hand around my waist and brings me so close I can feel his heart beat. He puts his lips to mine and for a few seconds the whole world goes away. Slowly he pulls away and he says softly, "I love you, Piper Scot."
Without another word he's off to the cruiser and my heart breaks.
I try to push what has just happened out of my mind and replace it with the pressing issue of how I'm going to make this month's dues. Before I go too far down the path of self-pity, I'm stopped by the same agent who offered Wil his position.
"Piper Scot?" The hulking gray haired man asks.
"Yes, sir. What can I do you for?"
"Mr. Barstow told us how he couldn't have won that race without your mechanical skills. Turns out I'm in need of a mech. Can't find one worth a damn in the Outer Cluster."
A smile beams on my face. "Thought y'all couldn't offer jobs to people with unauthorized augmentations."
"I ain't askin' you to take a medical exam. I just want you to fix some air runners and other equipment. Besides we can work a few subcontracts, no one will be the wiser."
I pat him on the back, "Well, Mr. ... What's your name?"
"Graham."
"Well, Mr. Graham, I think this will be the start of a beautiful relationship." 

                                    THE END ... FOR NOW





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