The artificial voice from the overhead speakers echoed through the wide-open hallway.

“Welcome to the Prince of Wales research and trading hub. Enjoy your stay.” The voice droned on about various resorts, parks, and other attractions the station's management was proud of, hoping to entice visitors to part with their money.

Despite the station’s age, the place looked well-maintained on the surface. There was a modern gleam to things, and the place was clean, giving the station a refined look at first glance. I could see the signs of aging beneath the surface but the overall feel of the place was welcoming and optimistic.

Flashing lights on colorful screens drew the eye, hoping to draw people into the shops along the concourse. I ignored the ads and headed for one of the information terminals. There was a small line of people waiting to use them but the row of terminals shortened the wait time immensely.

I could just hack it, I thought as I waited in line behind a towering bald dude who had an extremely good relationship with pop and junk food. My eyes scanned the other people moving about, instinctively picking out the surveillance and security devices.

A punk kid with a blonde-white spiked mohawk and dark brown roots scanned the crowd suspiciously as he sauntered along. He had ridiculous pants hanging off his hips threatening to trip him up, and several chains hanging from his pockets and neck. I snorted at the sight. Trip hazard, choke hazard, and excessive weight. He thought he was cool and clearly was up to no good.

I wished him luck, he needed it to make up for his lack of skill. The ridiculous hair was blatant and stood out. What if he had to make a run for it? Security would have no trouble identifying him on the cameras. It was practically a name tag and memorable to boot. I pegged him as a fool, but maybe the security people were paid to look the other way.

Mr. Junkfood moved to a terminal and I finished my sweep of the area. A much more subtle pickpocket was working the area, he kept his face away from the cameras and wore nondescript clothing. Much better. But tattoos? Come on dude, you were so close.

There were quite a few wealthy travelers here. Most people who could afford to travel though wouldn’t be carrying cash in their pockets. Their credentials though, IDs, and the information on their cards could be even more valuable. Scammers and hackers were quite cunning, but I preferred the hands-on approach of breaking and entering. The thrill was more intense than just sitting at a computer, but I acknowledged their skill, even if the spam mail was annoying.

My turn at the terminals came and I walked up and got to work. It only took me a minute to download a map and highlight the businesses I was looking for. There were dozens of Inventory Manager services. True to the traffic controller's word, the majority of them were clustered very close to where I’d docked.

I copied the web links for the services to my wrist computer and moved out of the way for the next person before I skimmed through the reviews and picked Market Price. They had a high customer service rating and had a reputation for being punctual. With Shadow Hunter damaged, I didn’t want to be waiting around for supplies. I had the Triv breaking down my neck and wanted to be gone before they arrived. The last encounter with the Triv had dispelled many of my worries about their technology, but they came rushing back as soon as my ship broke down. Don’t even get me started on their Enforces! There was definitely some trauma where they were concerned. From when they hauled me around like a helpless sack of potatoes and from fighting them in Shadow Hunter’s hanger. Even watching one of them suffocate to death had left a mark.

I needed a distraction. A good-looking man around my age was standing nearby. I edged closer to him. “Hey, do you know of a good bar around here?” I asked.

He looked up from his electronic device and did a double-take when he saw me. “Me?” he asked. He cleared his throat. “Are you talking to me?”

I smiled and nodded. “Yeah! I’ve got some errands to run but I could use a drink.”

“Um, right. Do you like dancing? There is a high-class nightclub in the middle ring. I can get you in if you are interested.”

It did sound fun, but I wasn’t looking for a date, and while I did enjoy dancing, time was an issue. “As fun, as that sounds, I’m on a deadline. Just want to relax and unwind, ya know?”

He nodded knowingly. “Stressful trip?”

I shrugged. “Not particularly. Just had some engine trouble I have to deal with.”

“I’m Howard Moss.” He extended his hand.

“Ginny.”

“Ginny…?”

I looked away. Maybe talking to this guy wasn’t such a good idea. “Well, I’m sure I’ll find a place, thanks anyway.”

“Hey, hold up!” he called as I started walking away. “I know another place. It’s just down the concourse a bit. I’ll buy.”

“Like I said, I have some errands to run first. Thanks though.”

“Oh come on, it will be fun. You can run your errands later!” He grinned.

I gave him my blank face and kept walking.

“You know, I have connections around here, I could get you some free repairs for your engine.”

I looked over, he was still walking next to me. What a jerk. Why do I always attract such annoying guys? Bah, it’s my own fault this time, Ginny, you engaged with him. I sighed and kept walking.

“Hey! Didn’t you hear me? I said—”

“I also heard everything you didn’t say,” I cut him off, still trying to be polite, but I was totally done indulging him. “And I’m not interested.”

“You didn’t even give me a chance.”

“I wasn’t looking for a date!”

“Then why did you ask me where you could find a bar?” he demanded, his anger seeping into his voice. Other travelers glanced over at his raised tone.

I opened my mouth to explain, he was about my age, so I figured he’d know of a good place, instead of saying that though, my polite meter went up in flames and I lost control of my tongue. “You’re right, I was being an idiot. I shouldn’t have bothered. How silly of me.” I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

“You asked! I answered,” he snapped.

“You’ve been so helpful,” I retorted. “Thanks for nothing.”

“I offered you free repairs for your ship, you bitch!”

“Why are you still following me?” I demanded.

This guy was really filling up the creep meter. He was arrogant, demanding, and a total jerk when he didn’t get his way. I was so glad I hadn’t given him my name.

“You think I’m just going to let you walk away, after insulting me?” he growled.

I stopped and glared at him, my hands on my hips. “Oh? Do you think you own me or something? Do you want to fight? Well, go on Mr. Mossy, make a move!”

“It’s Moss,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

I snorted and turned to go. The fool reached out and grabbed my arm. His hand clamped down, hard. “You’re not going anywhere.”

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I pivoted and slapped him across the face. His hand didn’t release me so I stepped toward him. While he was distracted by the face slap, I drove my knee into his groin. I tempered my strength to avoid permanent damage but he dropped to his knees all the same. His hand finally released my arm and I turned and walked off as he gasped for breath.

“I sure hope that idiot isn’t going to cause me any more trouble,” I muttered.

Now I really needed a drink.

I shook my head as I walked off. With the creepy stalker guy dealt with, I headed for Market Price to take care of my business. Drinks would have to wait.

The sliding doors opened and a bell chimed. A woman about my age looked up and smiled.

“Hello, can I help you?” she inquired.

I forced my ill mood away and smiled. “I hope so! I’m looking to stock up on consumables for my ship.”

“Do you have an account with us?” she asked.

“No, I’m just passing through.”

Her smile widened. “If you set up an account with us, I can get you fifteen percent off your first purchase, and for all purchases after that, we give a two percent discount.”

“Huh. Okay,” I said. I shared my information and she punched it into the computer.

I wanted plenty of food given how fast I was going through it. There were loads of options so it took some time to make my choices. I didn’t forget to stock up on beer either. Not that I was much of a drinker when I was alone but some days I just needed a drink. I picked up some snack items as well and then blew a large chunk of my funds on medical drugs. They were not cheap, and the remote location only inflated the price even more.

They sold stock materials for 3D printers so after checking with Bob and finding ones that would work, I bought several pallets worth of synthetic materials for clothing, towels, rugs, sheets, and whatever other fabric items I might need. It was easier to just print out what I wanted instead of purchasing it already made up. The cost wasn’t much more either. I got myself plenty of soap and shampoo, lotion, and other cosmetics.

The bill when I finished made me wince, but thanks to the Triv I had the funds. Thinking about how infuriated the jerk who’d supplanted the Triv Captain on the dreadnought would be if he knew what I was doing with his bonds made me grin.

I thanked the woman for her help, she’d been helpful and courteous. I verified she had the correct docking bay for my order and then headed for the door. I was just exiting Market Price when four security personnel closed in around me.

“Halt!” one of them ordered.

The smile slipped from my face. They had their hands on their weapons, ready to draw.

“Me?” I asked, pointing at my chest. “Is there a problem?”

“You’re under arrest for assault.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Is this some kind of a joke? I’d like to see some ID.”

Looking at the group I couldn’t tell if they were security or thugs. I hope all the security personnel around here aren’t this bad. I tapped my wrist computer and called station security.

“What are you doing?”

“I’m calling security.”

“Stop!” the man closest to me said. He stalked forward and grabbed my arm.

“Ow! Let go of me,” I cried, playing it up. His grip while strong for a normal person felt weak to me.

“I just want to verify you guys are the proper authorities, what are you—” I broke off as he punched me in the gut.

“I said stop!” he snapped.

“Resisting arrest,” one of the others said.

“Yup. I saw it plain as day. She took a swing at you!”

“Better incapacitate her,” another said with a dark laugh.

He pulled out his baton and triggered it. A spark arced between the studs on the tip.

“She’s a real looker. We’re going to have some fun with you,” the one squeezing my arm said.

I straightened up. “Oh, heck no!” I said. Then I twisted my wrist free and latched onto his wrist. I stomped on the dude's foot to distract him and then slammed my forehead into his nose. I felt it crunch and jerked my head back to avoid getting my hair bloody.

I then used his arm as a lever and threw him at his buddies. I didn’t have the body mass to get him off the ground, but he was far too focused on the pain to resist the force of my pull. He slammed into two of his buddies and they all went down in a tangled heap.

The fourth man cursed and went for his sidearm. I stepped toward him and went for a below-the-belt special. Unfortunately, this guy was quite familiar with that move and he liked his family jewels as is. He stepped back with his left foot, turning his body to avoid my attack. I grimaced but it mattered little. I lunged forward and as I landed I grabbed hold of his armored vest. Then I jerked him forward and drove my knee into his gut.

The air exploded from his lungs in a rush as he doubled over. I clapped his ears with my hands and then shoved him hard in the direction of his friends. I had no real hand-to-hand training, so I was just winging it. My speed and strength more than made up for my lack of skills though. I delivered a snap kick to one of the other guys and he hit the ground unconscious. I winced, hoping I hadn’t snapped his neck or something.

I heard the tell-tale sound of a snapping shock baton and jumped back as one of the men on his knees swung the baton. He regained his feet along with his buddy. His buddy had blood draining from his shattered nose. The one whose ears I’d clapped was still on his hands and needs, and was acting drunk.

The second man went for his pistol as he cursed me. “You’re going to regret that!”

Yeah, he needed a lot of soap for his foul mouth. What a jerk! What right do you have to get mad when you threaten to rape me? I didn’t bother asking him. He was clearly an idiot.

The baton wielder swung again and I jumped forward tackling him to the ground. With a quick jerk, I disarmed him and shocked his buddy. His entire body locked up, jolting around and then when I withdrew the baton, he dropped to the ground like a limp noodle. Soiling himself in the process.

“What a mess,” I recoiled.

The distraction gave the man beneath me time to grab my throat and he proceeded to try to choke me. I have to confess. It surprised me and it hurt. I panicked a little as I couldn’t breathe. I flailed and smacked at his arms, something gave and he screamed. I kept swinging, and several blows later he wasn’t screaming anymore. I rolled away from him and in a crouch paused to catch my breath.

I was never in any real danger of being choked out, but my hand went to my neck anyway, it was tender and I was sure I’d have bruises there. The man who was responsible looked to have a broken arm and his face was bruised and bloody. He wasn’t going to be looking too good once the bruises changed color.

I cursed and got to my feet. Aside from my throat, I was no worse for wear, but I had blood on my shirt and hands. I glanced at my wrist computer and noticed it was still connected to the station security people. I hoped these people weren’t their guys.

“H-hello? Anyone there?” I asked.

“Who is this?” they asked.

I was surprised they didn’t know and I certainly didn’t think it smart to identify myself just yet, at least not until I figured out what was going on.

“I’m sending you some images,” I said, capturing images of the men's faces. “These people attacked me and planned to rape me. Can you identify them?”

“I need you to identify yourself, ma’am.”

“I’d rather remain anonymous,” I said. “They claimed to be with station security, and I was calling to see if that was true when they attacked me. They were going to hurt me and claim I was resisting arrest. Then they started talking like they were going to do more than that. Can you ID them for me?” I asked as I pulled their wallets and ID cards from their pockets.

I grimaced as I checked their IDs. All of them were station security. Why can’t anything ever be easy? I ground my teeth together. The IDs could be fakes, but I didn’t think so. They had the gear which looked the same as what I’d seen before and worse, they each had a thick wad of cash on them. I considered taking it but decided to leave it. Maybe they were a minority and it would incriminate them.

The man on the call was getting rather insistent that I identified myself and had stopped answering my questions anyway. All he seemed to want to know was where and who I was. I hung up. No cameras were covering this area so it would take them at least a few minutes to track their people down.

I disabled the security thugs' electronics so they couldn’t trace those and then slipped into the station's network as I left the area. I needed to stay hidden but that was easy when I could subvert their surveillance. I ducked into a public bathroom, washed up, and then hurried on.

I made a quick call to Bob. “I’m in a little bit of trouble. How soon will the repairs be finished?”

“What happened, Ginny? Are you alright?” Bob asked. “I’ll send a pair of WMDs to your location.”

“What? No! No. Wait, just slow down. I’m fine.” The last thing I needed was a pair of war droids blasting up the place. “I am laying low for now. How soon can we leave?”

“I’m afraid the damage was worse than we thought. Arby and the other RB units are working on it but my estimate is sixteen hours. The entire engine housing is shot and we are printing new parts as quickly as we can. The real delay however is pulling out the damaged engine housing and assembling the new one. The part is too big to print in one piece and will need to be welded together very precisely and then maneuvered into place. I have the SB and WMDs helping where they can.”

I pinched my nose and took a breath before responding. “Okay, keep working on it. I’ll… I’ll be fine. Just get the ship fixed.”

“Very well, Ginny. If you need anything, please let me know.”

“Yeah, recall my transport and then call Market Price and see if you can have them deliver my order to the Shadow Hunter instead of my docking bay.”

“But Captain, how will you get back to the ship then?”

“You can pick me up when the time comes,” I said. “I don’t want them impounding my ship if they figure out who I am.”

“I’ll be standing by for your call.”

“I’ll patch you into their systems so you can monitor things for me.” I smiled. Compared to being trapped on the Triv dreadnought, this should be easy. I had a whole station to play around with and the opposition was far less dangerous. I found myself smirking as I headed for a clothing store to get something less conspicuous. Yeah, this was going to be fun.