The Scent That Attracts Birds

Part 5 Final

The two men again sat across the table from one another. One older, one younger. The younger had just explained his recent activities on Beaumonde to the older fellow.

“ Excellent! And you’re sure the man is no longer among the living?”

“ Quite sure sir.”

“ Good, good news to hear such. Dominic bring up fifteen credits from the vault and distribute them to our persuasive guest here.”

“ Mr. One, I’ve made no request of money, only asked permission to carry out a small task for you, that you may know of my intent and an eagerness to start under your employ. I apologies that my efforts did not come to the recovery of the 50 credits owed you.”

“ That is small change my friend and it’s not the money in this situation that I was concerned about and not the money that I am posting to you now. My wife can spend more than five times as much after visiting one of the core planets in a day. No, payment is for a job done to my satisfaction and also the hope of a new relationship that will result in you developing a reputation for getting the job done…..” The older man paused, “ The jobs I request of you I hope is understood.”

The younger man smiled. Then began speaking again.

“That being stated Mr. Niska…… Yes, I know who I’m making deals with ( Niska was aware of this anyway) I would like to be given the opportunity of working toward full employment by your organization. I know you prefer to use outside contractors on most of your current endeavors but my true intent is to one day……. “ He paused and looked around the room, “ Take the place of Dominic and be the muscle at your dutiful call. I hope there isn’t a problem in me saying so?”

The older man viewed the younger through his glasses and with eyes of stone cold admiration.

“ Why no……it is rather a respectable trait hearing honesty come forth from such a new contact……and I admire that.” Niska said.

“ Well now, with that out of the way I am ready for a new exercise. If you are willing of course.”

Niska reached over to a switch on the table.

“ Dominic……bring files “O through Z” on your return please.” He flipper the switch back down to the off position.

The younger man smiled.

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A short time later Dominic returned with two boxes and set them before the young assassin. Opening one he could see that it contained fifteen credits, the other a file list of names.

“Choose one.” The older man said referring to the names.

Looking at the colored tabs the younger fellow noticed one that stood out marked in red. He pulled it out.

“ This one here seems to be of interest.”

He handed it to Niska.

The older gentleman flipped it over to read the name.

“ Ahhhhh…..yes. Malcolm Reynolds. A worthy choice indeed. Do this one and you can name your price.”

The younger man nodded his to signify his understanding.

“ Good! I hear that the Firefly captain has arranged to offload some medical supplies he fenced from a hospital on Ariel. It isn’t clear where the exchange will be made for now but once we learn of the location I’ll send a crew with you to fetch the war hero back to me. Alive is the condition most preferable! There are some answers to questions I would work out of the deceptive captain, and maybe a little heart stimulating revenge.”

The younger man stood.

“Agreed.”

He held out his hand to seal the pact. There was a toast by each. They swallowed down a glass of Skyplex space-aged brandy. Then the younger fellow turned to leave. After a couple of steps he stopped and turned to face the older man.

“ Mr. Niska…..I am surprised that someone of your longevity would allow a mostly total stranger to be left alone in a room with you?”

“ Well my fellow but you were unarmed weren’t you….?”

“ Yes but….”

With this the older man hit a button near his desk. Immediately the floor dropped from beneath the chair he’d just been sitting in. The sounds of the furniture dropping a long distance came to the younger fellow’s ears.”

“ There are always safeguards Mr…….I still don’t know your name, and I still don’t understand that last phrase you spoke of the time you were here before. Might be beneficial for you if I did.”

The young assassin looked at him.

“ Well Mr. Niska my name is Raven and the phrase “ The Scent that Attracts Birds” attaches well to the notion “ The Smell of Money” attracts birds. Namely Ravens and Crows. Ya see Crow was my older brother, and Malcolm Reynolds is one individual I’ve been needing to settle a score with for a long time. I’m getting that the long talk that you intend to have with the captain will be pleasurable for you as well as myself.”

He smiled and left the room.

END