A man buys a used cargo ship to make some easy money and found the packaged deal bot had his first package to receive.
With credits to burn, a man found himself at what looked like a used ship dealer that he was told towed the line between cheap and quality. He needed something that could make a quick getaway, and make quick money to keep him moving, at least for a while.
"Welcome to Winston's Preowned Ships," the man greeted. He saw the fancy looking car the customer, or sucker stood next to. His slacks, nice button down shirt, sunglasses. He knew expensive fashion when he knew it, and if it belonged to the wearer, or not. "You'll find we have quite the gallery of galactic gallivanters to pick from."
"Yeah, so I heard, I heard. Some don't look too bad for used ships."
"
Preowned
, sir. Used ships are... used. Abused, beaten, like a drunk single dad who's got a kid who gets a check. These are preowned; just general wear and tear that age brings them, trade-ins. We don't take
used
ships. That's like used pussy." He chuckled. "I don't think you're quite the man that'd do it, no sir, but would you marry a woman from a brothel, why would you buy a used ship? At least with the harlot, it might be fifty-fifty whether your juniors on the line, but your life's on the line with a used ship. I'd marry her before I bought that ship."
"That... makes sense."
"Good. Come with me. I know what I'm talking about, I'm Winston, you are?"
"I'm... Reeon."
"Reeon? I like it! Sounds like the name of a legend!"
They walked through the property, Reeon could tell this guy was either sincere about his quality, or was shady enough to present himself all the same.
"Jeez, you work out, Reeon?"
"Ehh... not like that. Girls don't like slobs, though."
"True, true, too true!"
Reeon wasn't Adonis, but he was just above average, and proud that he did the work to get there, versus paying for it.
"How much it cost, who's your guy?"
"Huh? No, this is all hard work, no gene splicing, or any of that. Most of those guys can't even use those boutique muscles, the smart ones know how weak they really are. Now these ships..."
"Yes! They're all organized by type. Cruisers over there, yachts--that what you want; show off and party? There's some classics over there? Or... you like real speed, right? I have star racers, and if you're a real hardcore bad ass; star
fighters
."
"I was planning on starting a business."
"Oh! Well... back to the cruisers. I have some BJK passenger models. Not much cargo capacity, but they can carry people, quite a few rooms, or something like a short haul coach? Or cargo?
"Yeah... more like cargo. Mostly cargo. Something I don't need a crew to run."
"Like a skiff?"
"I'm wanting to start a cargo business. A skiffs not enough, but I need something I don't need really anybody else to work with. I need it quick."
He looked at him suspiciously. "What kinda cargo?"
"Cargo. Stuff. Supplies. Whatever I'm paid to move."
Winston frowned a moment. Reeon wondered if he was about to get himself in trouble.
"So... a medium sized freighter. They're over here. I'll show you the ones with pressurized internal cargo holds. Any other requirements?"
Reeon sighed in thought. "That sounds good. Good living quarters, actually can make it to another planet before it breaks down. Good speed."
"Oh... I've got the ship for you. This way."
They walked a few meters towards where the cargo ships rest, and came upon a ship that did not look like the typical cargo ship.
"Busanics Haulmaster. Sure it's kinda old, but it moves, can be upgraded, comfortable living quarters with enough room to support four, but can be operated with two, or one."
"Hmmm... what about that one?"
"That? Armored cargo transport?"
'Yeah that."
"I suppose it'll be up and running by tonight."
"That looks perfect for what I need!"
"But--do you know anything about those Quazar Brigandines? It's a bit more of a frigate, and needs a crew of six. Those aren't auto cannons."
"I can figure it out, it's cool." Reeon tried to hide his desperation.
"It needs a crew of six, two of which are pilots. It's not that easy to pilot alone, especially if you
need
a ship like that."
"It's fine, really."
"How... how much money do you even have to spend?" He grew concerned.
"How much is that Brigandine?"
"One point eight million creds."
"What‽ It's used!"
"
And
they hold their value well. It's not the cheapest ship here, but it's the cheapest one you'll find. I know. I've looked."
"Damn. What else is there?"
"Those. Medium cargo ships, cruisers, they're all popular for a reason; affordability versus cost. I have larger ships, that cost more. I have some of these other medium cargo ships, but they aren't up to par with your... what I assume is your quick escape. Some run, but need key components replaced, they aren't just going to cross the star system, much less the galaxy. I'll surely sell you one, they're a bit pricey, especially for your immediate needs."
Reeon looked baffled. "But you said these are all--"
"They are. I'll sell a ship as is, but we refurbish them. That there... you can take it, everything is fine, but it's navcomp is shot... there's a recall because it was always faulty. The quarters are meager, it isn't designed to live in space. I do my best to try to curate for the customer. How much money
do
you have?"
"About five hundred, thousand."
"Then the Haulmaster is your choice here. It's the closest to your desires."
"Haulmaster."
"Haulmaster. C'mon... Busanics is good stuff. They're ships are easily upgraded, a lot of systems even interchange, they're somewhat efficient."
Reeon looked back at it. He thought it looked fast with it's three main engines and two twin secondary's mounted between the top mount and left and right "wing" mounted other two.
"Let's check it out." Winston led him back to it. "If one didn't know any better, they'd think it was some cruiser. One large cargo door on each side for loading, there's also a front belly ramp. Yo... Deez... run up to the office and grab the key to the Haulmaster! These three main engines are Q3 Oscillators. Busanics made a gunboat about two thirds bigger than this, that uses five of these in this same arrangement; two side mount, and one top, and that thing was quick. Those two between are RV18's from a starfighter, the previous owner added. It's already sturdy as a cargo ship, but they also added ceramisoid on the engines, so most weaponry won't take you engines out, unless you're really in deep shit, and they really want you dead."
"What about the Zeta Drive?"
"One of the best. Where is that bot with the key? I heard it was salvaged from some smuggler who had been all over, along with the navcomp after he met his end."
They turned and saw the bot running up with the key.
"There he is."
"The key, sir."
"You're a sweetheart," he said with a smile. "Gotta respect your workers, human or bot."
Winston opened the ship and led Reeon up the steps.
"This is one of the doors to the hold."
They went the door, there wasn't much to see.
"There's controls here, and over there for the independent atmosphere, tie-downs, and whatnot, separate storage areas, access to the engine room and utilities, like the gravity drive and generator, shield, reactors--oh, there are multiple refuel ports. Now where the action is."
They went up the steps to the main area.
"Fore tuh aft, here; Cockpit, kinda roomy, main-ish telecommunications, co-pilot, see all these expansion areas... that's your throne. Navigation... the usual. Back here is the captains quarters--told ya it was nice."
"Yeah, it is."
