Tales of the Courier – Sly Deals and New Wheels (continued)
Freeland was up ahead and 1courier knows that once he is there the cargo will be ready. Not only is it a port city with many inhabitants, but also one of the largest merchant ports in this hemisphere.
He keeps the ride close to the exit lane as the miles pass quickly. He passes another pedestrian, and this time, does a double take. This is not a different pedestrian. The strange walking entity, passes quickly by again, this time watching 1courier.
One second later the rear wheels explode in a spray of shredded rubber. The ride fishtails, sliding sideways down the road. 1courier pulls hard on the wheel trying to navigate through the slide. An eighth of a mile later the ride slams against the guard railing along the side of the highway.
The ride stalls. The AI announces the stall over the audio and recommends contacting road support. 1courier declines semi politely, as he gets out of the ride, and slams the door.
Sly Deals
The rear tires are gone, and the ride is scraping the road. The damage is complete, this was more than a side of the road fix. Furthermore 1courier wonders what caused the destruction of the wheels. He is so intent on the puzzle that he doesn’t notice the heavy freighter silently pulling up behind him.
The m-com link flashes, and alerts of the cargo being ready for pickup at Freeland. Great! 1courier is certain there will be a delay. He opens the m-com to alert HQ of the delay, and drops the m-com.
He watches, as he snap, locks, into place and cannot move. Furthermore he is clenched tightly and his universe is in a world of hurt. He is able to grimace slightly before toppling over like a domino.
Splat landing on the ground, he rolls to his back, looking skyward. In addition to this he is locked in place, unable to move or utter a sound. A recently familiar form comes into view, the strange pedestrian, appearing out of nowhere again.
He is looking down at the stunned 1courier as though he is lab work. Then he grins at 1courier, and says “howdy partner”, and the night falls early.
Story note: This timeline will be continued in the next story of tales of the courier. The story will stay linear until complete.
