First story submission! It' been a while since I wrote a actual story, the past few days I've had two in mind. In the end I chose to start with this one, not sure how long it will go but the other story will be coming later on so be ready for that in the future. Apologies for a short chapter but later on they will be a little longer. I hope you enjoy this, there's more coming that's for sure!

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Space, you'd think it’s something amazing. All the stars, planets and galaxies in an endless void filled with uncertainty. Too be honest, I felt more uncertainty on the surface where we have chrome jungles and shadowy undergrounds filled with the scum of the system but that's old news. Ever since we got space travel down to a commodity it's been a booming business for all sorts of companies and private corporations, and like the seven seas those who battle on the airless tides of the cosmos. Pirates, military, pmcs and security firms all have their fair share of fighting and fruits of war. As for me, I'm sort of a 'freelance serviceman' or at least that's what the officials call me. Titles aside though, I make my dues from freelance work as a spacecraft pilot. Name's Richter, Richter Aurin. Allow me to tell a few tales, doesn't seem like you got much to do but how about a nice strong brew to get my memory going first?

Thanks, now let's get some history out of the way. My father was a pilot back then too, he's the reason why I decided to get into this business. The stories he'd tell were amazing ever time he'd land back home to me and my ma. Eventually when I got old enough for a pilot’s license I bought my first ship with savings for college. Yeah yeah, I graduated high school, in end that's all I needed but I didn't take the chance lightly. It was a LoboTech civilian explorer, Ma didn't take the news well but my dad stood by me and that's what sealed the deal. Still, I never have regrets about it to this day. I still have the Junker too, I keep it as an old reminder of fresh beginnings. Phew! Alright, let's have another! Believe me, this old dog ain’t no push over. Hey Bruce! Let's get some pickles over here!

Now, my first job was to escort a cargo cruiser that was bringing in a fresh supply of food to a nearby medical station. It was quite a travel distance, but the pay was good for how easy it was, or so I thought at the time. It was me and few other freelancers; we setup a nice formation around the cruiser. Unfortunately all I had in terms of firepower were some class one civilian self-defense lasers couldn't make a dent in any military grade shielding but I had backup so I didn't think much of it. About half way through the first day I decided to take a nap after I'd set my ship to autopilot. I managed to get a few good winks until I got some chatter on the comms. I shimmied out of my bunk and went back to the cockpit putting helmet back on when I heard the word pirates blast in my ear. At that time my ship and the cruiser were behind an asteroid, the cruiser went cold to keep its signal off possible radars. Unfortunately for me I was still hot, I had to make a decision of what to do and quickly. I could hear on the comms some fighting going on, a multitude of thoughts went through my head. It was either I keep my ship on and be ready to protect the cruiser if we were spotted or get out there to help the others. The employer told us that there may be some danger with this job but as a freelance pilot you have to take that risk and be ready. Luckily I was, but it would be my first contact with violent opposition. In the end, I chose to get in the fight. I flipped my ship out of autopilot and gripped the controls tightly. Shifting out of the asteroid and making a hard burn towards the firefight, weapons systems online and fully loaded. I spotted my first target, it was a Junker thankfully and it already took some hits. I managed to get the jump on it before it could retreat, my gun auto locked and I fired five blasts on the sucker. Boom! My first kill, it felt pretty damn satisfying. Once I confirmed the kill I turned on a dime made my way to the others fighting; once I got there it was a battle turning to our favor. I joined in and helped the better equipped freelancers with damage dealing. We managed to get most of them and only a few lived but were damaged severely, they wouldn't get far running with their tails between their legs. Just from the excitement and heat I couldn't stop panting when it was over, it felt amazing when I took the helmet off. Congratulations were all around on the comms, except for one. The cruiser took some damage on the cargohold, some food was spaced along with a crew member. We never found her when we searched; with over half the food lost and the damage to the cruiser, it was a large cut from our paychecks. After getting to a jumpgate the rest of the trip was smooth sailing, a lot was on my mind then. They always say the first time is the worst time. I stayed in that station for a bit after the other freelancers left to help out with some tasks and other duties; it calmed me down and gave me more reason to get the job done right next time.

My ship was all ready to go, and I went back home to have my first drink at this very bar. I hope you got time because there's so much more to tell.