Soldiers of Fortune (36 page)

              "You wouldn't be 'working' for me," Crisstof corrected, puzzling through the meaning of being house broken. "I'd be sponsoring you. Your ideals, and even your methods are noble, Captain... but surely you've come to realize just how hard it is to operate a warship like this as a privateer. How long until you'd be forced to take a high-paying job that didn't necessarily align with your charter?

             
"Within my organization, so many small things fall through the cracks and we just can't justify the resources to help only a few people. I'd like you to be my solution to that problem. You'd still be completely independent, but I'd be able to suggest places where you might be helpful, and then provide the needed support."

              "And if we want to walk away at some point?"

              "You walk away," Crisstof confirmed. "No contracts, no agreements. Just a mutual trust that we're both wanting to accomplish the same thing." Jason gazed out through the new canopy as he contemplated the offer.

              "What is Captain Colleren going to think about this?" Jason laughed aloud at the thought of the
Diligent's
uptight captain having to regard him as a colleague.

              "It's something she'll have to become accustomed to," Crisstof said, trying to suppress his own laugh. "But know that your actions on Shorret-3 have earned you a great deal of respect from Captain Colleren. You may come to view her differently after a time."

             
Jason looked around at his crew, who were all looking back at him just as interestedly. He had already discussed this with them when Crisstof had first approached him and they had made it clear they would trust him to make the final decision. The fact that they still looked at him as the "Captain" after he had nearly gotten them all killed on the last mission humbled and honored him.

              "Why not? We can give it a try, and if it doesn't work... no hard feelings." Crisstof looked visibly relieved at his answer. "So... what's our first job?" Jason joked with a laugh.

              "I'm glad you asked," Crisstof said, pulling out a data tablet. "What do you guys know about the Tellefor System?"

Thank you for reading
Omega Force: Soldiers of Fortune
.

If you enjoyed the story, Captain Burke and the guys will be back in:

Omega Force: Savage Homecoming.

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