LC leans forward on the passenger seat’s edge as the cockpit lights flicker with the revived comm link. He taps the "reply" icon slowly, voice calm when he speaks into the open channel.
"Lieutenant Pournaldi — this is Captain Rains. Affirmative on all counts. We are indeed the delivery from Miss Fortune, en route to the estate under contract with Santanocheev Medical."
"Cargo is intact, secure, and sealed per delivery instructions. All external checks confirm the crate and contents passed automated integrity scans at hop‑off."
"Passengers and crew are in good order — no injuries, no leaks, no unexpected guests hitching a ride behind the seat cushions."
He pauses, tone shifting just slightly — polite, but edged with concern beneath the formality.
"On that note, Lieutenant — we experienced what we believe was a pursuit, shortly after the comms drop. A single grav‑speeder, last seen at range, high‑speed, descended through the fog trying to intercept us. Blew past water‑logged trees, nearly at treetop level. We don’t know who they were, or what they wanted."
"Are there any mounted Lancer patrols currently deployed in sector — perhaps other grav or speeder units active north of the Ag‑lands border? We’d like confirmation that this was not your detail, and request safe‑passage instructions if there are active security sweeps ongoing. We’d rather deliver this crate with paperwork and payment, not wreck‑metal and missing parts."
He leans back, expression neutral but serious, lowering his voice slightly so only the comm channel carries his words.
"We’re moments out from what your nav‑feed labeled ‘courier approach.’ Once we’ve got coordinates, we’ll comply with all landing protocols. We appreciate the vigilance, Lieutenant — nothing about this route screams ‘smooth delivery.’ But if we get there in one piece and with coins in our vault, you won’t have to file a report about missing cargo."
He taps the console to end the transmission, looking over at Kayla without breaking eye contact — a silent nod that says: stay ready, stay sharp.
"Let’s get this over with."
