
Subj : New Beginnings Cont....
To   : All
From : Skyhawk #1
Date : Sun Jun 25 1995 04:21:11 PST

                           New Beginnings
                         By Daniel C. Harrison(Skyhawk)
              
     As she approached the spaceport, she could hear the many sounds of the
busy facility. This place where she had worked for the last 15 years...she
would miss it. Pulling up to the security gate, she flashed her identi-band
which was on her wrist and, the gate opened admiting her. A man waved her down
as she drove through and, she recognized him as Charlie. Amused, she rolled
down her window. "Saying goodbye?"
     He grinned. Charlie had been the gate guard here since before she had
arrived on the scene to blow the hell outta every pilot that had ever flown for
"Universal Star." Her exploits were unequaled. "So, your really gonna do it?
Turn in your pilot's contract to be a colonist? Are you crazy?" he laughed.
     "Just..need a change. A permanent one I guess. Dont know why but I hope to
find out."
     "Your not the farmer type, young lady. You'll miss all this." He reached
in and gave her a hug, "If I was younger, i'd of carried you off long ago. At
least to bed.." he grinned.
     "Dirty old man." She returned the hug. Charlie was fifty five and happily
married..and retiring in a few years. "If I were older, I'd steal you away from
your wife. But, adventure awaits..see ya. I ma be back to visit in a few
years."
     "You'll be back." he waved as she started to move and called out. "But not
to visit...you'll see."
     "Yeah right." she mumbled. She brought the manga-flux to a stop in it's
designated parking space..for the last time..and put the key under the
passenger mat..as prearranged with Mike. Looking longingly at the vehicle she
moved her hand across it then, tossed her long blonde hair and looked toward
the waiting ship...The Outlander. The Outlander was an old ship. Not the type
of craft she wanted to fly on a journey like this. But, the poor idiots who had
chartered her for the trip to Hycenda could not afford one of the  better
colony ships that "Universal Star " had. She would have to make do. But,.
Candar was used to it..and had flown both. But, never this far. Hycenda lay in
the Perseus cluster..11.2 light years away. It would be a long trip.
     Candar tore herself away from staring at the waiting vessel and entered
the operations center. As she came through the door, Jack Crawford looked up.
His eyes followed her as she moved purposefully to the pilot's pre-flight room
and he moved from behind his console. "Candy, did you get a good look at that
offer?"
     She winced. Only he called her "Candy." Not a bad name but, she could have
pushed for sexual harrassment if she felt like it. He came around the corner
and leaned against the wall as she moved away from the briefing console. "I
didnt look at it. I told you I made my decision. This is my last voyage. And
you had to give me , The Outlander. What kind of crap is that?'
     Crawford smiled."Sorry. Only thing they could afford. Sure you want to
soft-land with these idiots? The one in charge doesnt look like he could lead a
chinese fire drill let alone a colony on a new world. You've got leadership
ability, do you plan to take over? Is this a political move?"
     "God, you know I hate politics. Don't give me any of your usual shit Im
not in the mood. Was the baffle plate in the engine room fixed?"
     Crawford laughed. "Of course, Candy. Think I'd send you out in a ship that
would blow first time you hit light speed? You're too valuable to me. In fact,
say the word and, I'll get someone else to fly this bird. You can have the next
month off...and a hefty run after that that'll make you millions. That offer by
the way was a junior partner with the company."
     Candar looked up. "Your kidding. I'm not that good. And, I told you Jack,
I am not a politician..or company stooge. Im a pilot..that's about to retire."
    " And become a farmer on a lame ass world where there are no real brains
which of course will lead to mass hunger and mismanagement. This of course will
call for the government of Earth to step in and...well you'll be in one hell of
a mess..sure you want that? You could end up running the planet and I know you
don't want that!" Crawford laughed again.
     "Look," she faced him squarely. "After fifteen years, don't you have
anything nice to say to me? Your the same asshole who tried to get into my
pants the first day I met you. I proved to you then I knew what I was doing. I
know what I'm doing now. Is the ship ready?"
     "Yes." he sighed. "I was trying to talk you out of this..guess I cant.
Jerry is waiting for you onboard...along with a couple hundred screaming
colonists that dont know their right from their left. Two hundred more are
expected in an hour. You can pre-flight than take a nap if you want."
     "Okay that'll work." she hugged him close. "Your a sick man, Jack.
Don't drive the rest of the gang nuts. You don't have me to pick on
anymore." She smiled as the crusty old man returned her hug.
     "I'll send you a hefty bonus, Candy. If you survive this trip. Wish I
could have sent you out on something worthy of your talents. Not a piece
of junk like, Oulander. It should've been retired years ago."
     "A challenge." she grinned. "I like a good challenge. I'll send you
e-mail sometime." She tore away and double checked her packet. Then, with
one last look around Op's, she exited the building and headed toward the 
mammoth vessel. It was time...to escape...(Part 2)

