Chapter 5: A splendid meeting
If audio player doesn't work, press Stop then Play button again
Chapter 5: A splendid meeting
Mercifully, the door swung open to reveal an old man. His face strongly resembled a prune that had been left out in the sun for too long, and he leaned heavily on a wizened staff. A sunhat sat askew on his head and his clothes were too long, causing the sleeves to dangle and the pants to bunch underneath his feet.
Gibson? the old man asked. His voice was surprisingly hearty for the age he looked.
Ive brought a member for your team, Gibson said, pushing Chance forward. New arrival. He knows absolutely nothing.
Earth?
Earth, Gibson confirmed.
Are you really sure this is a good idea? I was under the impression you had made a deal with
The terms changed. We werent expecting someone this inexperienced to join up. I trust you can deal with it. Ill arrange for another member to join as well so you can have a full team. Weve always got transfer requests coming in.
Very well, the old man said, but Gibson hadnt even waited around to hear his answer. He was already walking back down the street toward the training yards. Chance gave the man a weak smile.
Ah, hello. It sounds like Im inconveniencing you. Im sorry.
Chance resolved to keep the exact details of his arrival secret. Gibsons reaction to it had felt significant, and he didnt want to give anything else away not until he knew more about the world hed arrived in. He couldnt afford to take any chances.
Oh, no. Not at all. Not me, the old man said with a kindly grin. My name is Pete.
Its nice to meet you. Im Chance. From Earth, as Gibson already said.
Well, lets head inside, Pete said, stepping back through the doorway into the house. Chance trailed him inside, looking around in wonder. The main room was spacious, with a large circular dining table in the center.
To the right was a neat kitchen, while an open doorway to their left led into a common room with soft couches and warm daylight spilling into it through a wide window. A stairwell at the back of the room wound upward to the second floor.
Ill start by showing you around, Pete said. Youve already seen the kitchen and the dining room. To the left is the living room. The bathroom is in there.
He started up the stairs. Chance moved to help him, but Pete bounded up them before he could even offer. He hurried after the older man, half worried hed get outpaced by someone ten times his age.
Up here are the living quarters, Pete said once Chance reached the top, gesturing grandiosely down a hallway that ended in a square window that overlooked the street. There were two doors on each side of the hall. The closest two rooms are taken, but you can take either the back left or back right one.
Chance swallowed. It had been so long since hed last had a room he could actually call his own. Pete spotted the look on his face and chuckled.
I recognize those eyes. Dont worry, nobody will take this from you. But, before you go picking out a room, come with me. There are a few things I should let you know early on.
They headed back downstairs and into the living room. Pete sat down in a large, cushioned rocking chair and Chance took the couch across from him. The material covering it wasnt something hed ever felt. It felt like a cross between leather and some fuzzy caterpillar, but it was quite comfortable.
Ah, Bella. Youve got good timing, Pete said. This is Chance.
No, Bella said flatly.
I havent even finished.
I thought we had this all laid out, Bella snapped, stalking down the stairs and striding up to the old man. Pete, I told you the only way I was doing this would be if it was on my own. No team. That was the deal. We agreed!
I know, Pete said apologetically. Gibson changed it.
I dont give a damn what Gibson wants! Bella said, her voice raising. Have I been underperforming? Ive hit the quotas without a problem! What did I do wrong?
Nothing, but Chance needed a team and Gibson decided this was the proper one for him. Hes from Earth and has no experience with any of this.
Bellas eyes narrowed in anger, and it struck Chance that Pete had chosen the absolute wrong thing to say. Hes completely new? Are you both insane?
It was Gibsons decision. All we can do is follow it. Im sorry, Pete said. But Ive been talking with Chance, and hes a good kid. Im sure well have him up to speed
Absolutely not, Bella hissed, thrusting a finger into Petes chest. Dont even think about it. Agh! I had one forsaken request. One! How was that so hard to do? Fix this! Move the Earthling to a different house.
I cant do that. Gibson makes the rules, and you know how he is about these things. The only reason you were able to work on your own this long is because he agreed to it in the first place.
Bella gritted her teeth. She turned her gaze on Chance, her eyes cold. Chance cleared his throat, but she didnt even give him a chance to say anything. She just turned around and strode off, stomping back up the stairs. Both Chance and Pete winced as they heard a door slam shut.
Well, that went well, Pete said.
I get the feeling Im not welcome, Chance muttered, staring at the stairwell.
Im sorry. Pete rubbed his forehead and let out a weary sigh, looking his age for the first time since Chance had met him. Bella well, shes a fine lass. Shes not truly that bad, but she was very insistent on working alone. Im afraid your arrival has upset the status quo. Dont apologize for that, though. It isnt your fault, and shell eventually come around.
Im not so sure about that. Ive seen angry before. That looked like she hated me.
Not you. More like the idea of you.
Thanks, Chance said dryly.
Pete laughed. Anytime. Well, there will be another member arriving shortly if Gibson sent you here, so dont worry. Once youve all been on a few jobs, things will smooth out. Until then, please feel free to use anything in this house. All the ingredients in the kitchen are for you to use, and Ill pay to restock them. If you ever need anything, just let me know and Ill add it into our budget.
Thank you, Chance said, pushing his meeting with Bella into the back of his mind. She wasnt going to ruin this for him. He had a house! And a room!
Off with you, then, Pete said. Im sure you want to go claim a room. Im sure you have a lot of questions, but hold off on them for a little. Time will help you get used to Centurion, and then youll be able to think more rationally.
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
Chapter 5: A splendid meeting
Mercifully, the door swung open to reveal an old man. His face strongly resembled a prune that had been left out in the sun for too long, and he leaned heavily on a wizened staff. A sunhat sat askew on his head and his clothes were too long, causing the sleeves to dangle and the pants to bunch underneath his feet.
Gibson? the old man asked. His voice was surprisingly hearty for the age he looked.
Ive brought a member for your team, Gibson said, pushing Chance forward. New arrival. He knows absolutely nothing.
Earth?
Earth, Gibson confirmed.
Are you really sure this is a good idea? I was under the impression you had made a deal with
The terms changed. We werent expecting someone this inexperienced to join up. I trust you can deal with it. Ill arrange for another member to join as well so you can have a full team. Weve always got transfer requests coming in.
Very well, the old man said, but Gibson hadnt even waited around to hear his answer. He was already walking back down the street toward the training yards. Chance gave the man a weak smile.
Ah, hello. It sounds like Im inconveniencing you. Im sorry.
Chance resolved to keep the exact details of his arrival secret. Gibsons reaction to it had felt significant, and he didnt want to give anything else away not until he knew more about the world hed arrived in. He couldnt afford to take any chances.
Oh, no. Not at all. Not me, the old man said with a kindly grin. My name is Pete.
Its nice to meet you. Im Chance. From Earth, as Gibson already said.
Well, lets head inside, Pete said, stepping back through the doorway into the house. Chance trailed him inside, looking around in wonder. The main room was spacious, with a large circular dining table in the center.
To the right was a neat kitchen, while an open doorway to their left led into a common room with soft couches and warm daylight spilling into it through a wide window. A stairwell at the back of the room wound upward to the second floor.
Ill start by showing you around, Pete said. Youve already seen the kitchen and the dining room. To the left is the living room. The bathroom is in there.
He started up the stairs. Chance moved to help him, but Pete bounded up them before he could even offer. He hurried after the older man, half worried hed get outpaced by someone ten times his age.
Up here are the living quarters, Pete said once Chance reached the top, gesturing grandiosely down a hallway that ended in a square window that overlooked the street. There were two doors on each side of the hall. The closest two rooms are taken, but you can take either the back left or back right one.
Chance swallowed. It had been so long since hed last had a room he could actually call his own. Pete spotted the look on his face and chuckled.
I recognize those eyes. Dont worry, nobody will take this from you. But, before you go picking out a room, come with me. There are a few things I should let you know early on.
They headed back downstairs and into the living room. Pete sat down in a large, cushioned rocking chair and Chance took the couch across from him. The material covering it wasnt something hed ever felt. It felt like a cross between leather and some fuzzy caterpillar, but it was quite comfortable.
Ah, Bella. Youve got good timing, Pete said. This is Chance.
No, Bella said flatly.
I havent even finished.
I thought we had this all laid out, Bella snapped, stalking down the stairs and striding up to the old man. Pete, I told you the only way I was doing this would be if it was on my own. No team. That was the deal. We agreed!
I know, Pete said apologetically. Gibson changed it.
I dont give a damn what Gibson wants! Bella said, her voice raising. Have I been underperforming? Ive hit the quotas without a problem! What did I do wrong?
Nothing, but Chance needed a team and Gibson decided this was the proper one for him. Hes from Earth and has no experience with any of this.
Bellas eyes narrowed in anger, and it struck Chance that Pete had chosen the absolute wrong thing to say. Hes completely new? Are you both insane?
It was Gibsons decision. All we can do is follow it. Im sorry, Pete said. But Ive been talking with Chance, and hes a good kid. Im sure well have him up to speed
Absolutely not, Bella hissed, thrusting a finger into Petes chest. Dont even think about it. Agh! I had one forsaken request. One! How was that so hard to do? Fix this! Move the Earthling to a different house.
I cant do that. Gibson makes the rules, and you know how he is about these things. The only reason you were able to work on your own this long is because he agreed to it in the first place.
Bella gritted her teeth. She turned her gaze on Chance, her eyes cold. Chance cleared his throat, but she didnt even give him a chance to say anything. She just turned around and strode off, stomping back up the stairs. Both Chance and Pete winced as they heard a door slam shut.
Well, that went well, Pete said.
I get the feeling Im not welcome, Chance muttered, staring at the stairwell.
Im sorry. Pete rubbed his forehead and let out a weary sigh, looking his age for the first time since Chance had met him. Bella well, shes a fine lass. Shes not truly that bad, but she was very insistent on working alone. Im afraid your arrival has upset the status quo. Dont apologize for that, though. It isnt your fault, and shell eventually come around.
Im not so sure about that. Ive seen angry before. That looked like she hated me.
Not you. More like the idea of you.
Thanks, Chance said dryly.
Pete laughed. Anytime. Well, there will be another member arriving shortly if Gibson sent you here, so dont worry. Once youve all been on a few jobs, things will smooth out. Until then, please feel free to use anything in this house. All the ingredients in the kitchen are for you to use, and Ill pay to restock them. If you ever need anything, just let me know and Ill add it into our budget.
Thank you, Chance said, pushing his meeting with Bella into the back of his mind. She wasnt going to ruin this for him. He had a house! And a room!
Off with you, then, Pete said. Im sure you want to go claim a room. Im sure you have a lot of questions, but hold off on them for a little. Time will help you get used to Centurion, and then youll be able to think more rationally.
Chapter 5: A splendid meetingMercifully, the door swung open to reveal an old man. His face strongly resembled a prune that had been left out in the sun for too long, and he leaned heavily on a wizened staff. A sunhat sat askew on his head and his clothes were too long, causing the sleeves to dangle and the pants to bunch underneath his feet.Gibson? the old man asked. His voice was surprisingly hearty for the age he looked.Ive brought a member for your team, Gibson said, pushing Chance forward. New arrival. He knows absolutely nothing.Earth?Earth, Gibson confirmed.Are you really sure this is a good idea? I was under the impression you had made a deal withThe terms changed. We werent expecting someone this inexperienced to join up. I trust you can deal with it. Ill arrange for another member to join as well so you can have a full team. Weve always got transfer requests coming in.Very well, the old man said, but Gibson hadnt even waited around to hear his answer. He was already walking back down the street toward the training yards. Chance gave the man a weak smile.Ah, hello. It sounds like Im inconveniencing you. Im sorry.Chance resolved to keep the exact details of his arrival secret. Gibsons reaction to it had felt significant, and he didnt want to give anything else away not until he knew more about the world hed arrived in. He couldnt afford to take any chances.Oh, no. Not at all. Not me, the old man said with a kindly grin. My name is Pete.Its nice to meet you. Im Chance. From Earth, as Gibson already said.Well, lets head inside, Pete said, stepping back through the doorway into the house. Chance trailed him inside, looking around in wonder. The main room was spacious, with a large circular dining table in the center.To the right was a neat kitchen, while an open doorway to their left led into a common room with soft couches and warm daylight spilling into it through a wide window. A stairwell at the back of the room wound upward to the second floor.Ill start by showing you around, Pete said. Youve already seen the kitchen and the dining room. To the left is the living room. The bathroom is in there.He started up the stairs. Chance moved to help him, but Pete bounded up them before he could even offer. He hurried after the older man, half worried hed get outpaced by someone ten times his age.Up here are the living quarters, Pete said once Chance reached the top, gesturing grandiosely down a hallway that ended in a square window that overlooked the street. There were two doors on each side of the hall. The closest two rooms are taken, but you can take either the back left or back right one.Chance swallowed. It had been so long since hed last had a room he could actually call his own. Pete spotted the look on his face and chuckled.I recognize those eyes. Dont worry, nobody will take this from you. But, before you go picking out a room, come with me. There are a few things I should let you know early on.They headed back downstairs and into the living room. Pete sat down in a large, cushioned rocking chair and Chance took the couch across from him. The material covering it wasnt something hed ever felt. It felt like a cross between leather and some fuzzy caterpillar, but it was quite comfortable.Ah, Bella. Youve got good timing, Pete said. This is Chance.No, Bella said flatly.I havent even finished.I thought we had this all laid out, Bella snapped, stalking down the stairs and striding up to the old man. Pete, I told you the only way I was doing this would be if it was on my own. No team. That was the deal. We agreed!I know, Pete said apologetically. Gibson changed it.I dont give a damn what Gibson wants! Bella said, her voice raising. Have I been underperforming? Ive hit the quotas without a problem! What did I do wrong?Nothing, but Chance needed a team and Gibson decided this was the proper one for him. Hes from Earth and has no experience with any of this.Bellas eyes narrowed in anger, and it struck Chance that Pete had chosen the absolute wrong thing to say. Hes completely new? Are you both insane?It was Gibsons decision. All we can do is follow it. Im sorry, Pete said. But Ive been talking with Chance, and hes a good kid. Im sure well have him up to speedAbsolutely not, Bella hissed, thrusting a finger into Petes chest. Dont even think about it. Agh! I had one forsaken request. One! How was that so hard to do? Fix this! Move the Earthling to a different house.I cant do that. Gibson makes the rules, and you know how he is about these things. The only reason you were able to work on your own this long is because he agreed to it in the first place.Bella gritted her teeth. She turned her gaze on Chance, her eyes cold. Chance cleared his throat, but she didnt even give him a chance to say anything. She just turned around and strode off, stomping back up the stairs. Both Chance and Pete winced as they heard a door slam shut.Well, that went well, Pete said.I get the feeling Im not welcome, Chance muttered, staring at the stairwell.Im sorry. Pete rubbed his forehead and let out a weary sigh, looking his age for the first time since Chance had met him. Bella well, shes a fine lass. Shes not truly that bad, but she was very insistent on working alone. Im afraid your arrival has upset the status quo. Dont apologize for that, though. It isnt your fault, and shell eventually come around.Im not so sure about that. Ive seen angry before. That looked like she hated me.Not you. More like the idea of you.Thanks, Chance said dryly.Pete laughed. Anytime. Well, there will be another member arriving shortly if Gibson sent you here, so dont worry. Once youve all been on a few jobs, things will smooth out. Until then, please feel free to use anything in this house. All the ingredients in the kitchen are for you to use, and Ill pay to restock them. If you ever need anything, just let me know and Ill add it into our budget.Thank you, Chance said, pushing his meeting with Bella into the back of his mind. She wasnt going to ruin this for him. He had a house! And a room!Off with you, then, Pete said. Im sure you want to go claim a room. Im sure you have a lot of questions, but hold off on them for a little. Time will help you get used to Centurion, and then youll be able to think more rationally.
