Blakkon Darkthorn
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Posted - 2006.01.09 21:20:00 -
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In the always winter weather of the hangar, the mechanic stood and stretched. The drone bay to Darkthorn was open and in the loading web was a Valkrie, pretty shot up, but not unfixable, with its parts strewn across the deck.
"You'll be back with your sisters soon enough" he mutters under his breath.
In the rack behind it four others sit, patched and repatched: Sandpaper skins a testament to fallen shields and space dust; multicolored lenses dark now, but ready to shine a malignant glare on command; pitted thrusters silently, coldly waiting for a chance to roar.
With a short chirrup the neocom lights up and the mechanic absently taps a lightly glowing stud behind his left ear. A screen flashes to life with the fresh young face of an eager cadet. The bored face registers suprise and then quickly becomes attentive and fumbles a salute.
"Si.. Sir, your parts are ready, shall I send them down?"
The mechanic nods.
"sir, permission to speak freely"
The mechanic finally looks at the screen, "granted corporal".
"Why do you fix these drones, they are easily replaced at most any station, in fact in stores I register 30 new just waiting to be assembled. I can send one of those down if you prefer."
The mechanic spares a long look at the coproral, an obvious raw recruit, fresh from the Naval Academy in Duripant undoubtedly.
"Son, theres alot to be said about the similarities of women and drones. If you take care of them, they take care of you. They'll defend you to the last, if you've earned their trust. They can be beautiful and deadly at the same time."
The mechanic pauses to run a heat sealer over a long gash in the Valkrie's hull.
"Like any woman, if you pay them attention, you will get their best. If you scorn them, well you best watch out. You don't toss a good woman out when you are done with her, neither a drone."
"Son with a drone, like a woman, theres something to be said for experience. When you have been around both a bit more you will understand."
With a salute the young face dissapears from the screen "Aye Captain"
The mechanic again leans over the mangled body of the Valkrie.
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