The break of dawn

“Where are we going again?”

I looked at Hudson briefly. Was this guy getting dumber by the minute?

“We’re heading into town to get a power converter for the Danger Sled,” I answered. “You know, my ship.”

“Yeah, I know I know,” Hudson replied. “I just wanted to hear where we were going after that.”

“We’re heading that way.” I pointed out towards the horizon. “Just a warp away is Throneworld.”

“Yeah, and are we gonna see some pretty bunnies there?”

“Bunnies?”

“You know, Bunnies. Honeys,” Hudson elaborated. “A hot piece of a—”

“Yeah, I hear ya,” I interrupted. “You’ve been to the Queen’s citadel. It’s hot and cold running women there.”

“Think I can pet their soft hair?” Hudson asked. “I like soft things.”

“Whatever floats your boat, man.” This conversation was getting a little bizarre for me. I have to switch gears. “OK, Hudson. I have the ship all locked down. If anything happens meet me back here. We’ll limp to the next system if we have to.”

“Check.”

We traveled the distance to the town. After almost an hour of silence, I heard Hudson grumbling. Normally, you wouldn’t hear something like that from the guy. He’s got no problem humping a couple clicks with an 80 pound ruck. The only time he usually complains is when there are giant bugs trying to eat him.

“What’s eating you?” I asked.

“Aw nuthin,’” he answered glumly. “George died last night.”

“How’d that happen?”

“I dunno,” the marine shrugged. “I took real good care of him. I didn’t squish him or nothing.”

“Maybe it was something he ate,” I suggested.

“Yeah, maybe,” Hudson mumbled.

We finally got to the town and found a general store. It was one of those quiet little towns with a quiet little store in a corner. Not a lot happening but the folks seemed friendly.

“Good morning,” the owner smiled. “What can I do you for?”

“Well, we were just passing through and had some troubles with the warp drive.” I held up the power converter. “You got one of these?”

“Sure do,” the owner smiled. “It’ll cost you 800 credits though.”

“I don’t have that kind of money on me,” I answered. “How about you, Hudson?”

“Naw,” he shrugged. “All my cash is tied up in stocks and mutual bonds.”

“Well, at least you’ll have it for retirement,” I said with a hint of sarcasm. Hudson seemed oblivious to it though.

“Well, if you need jobs,” the store owner interjected. “There’s a ranch just up the road. They’re always looking for farm hands. You two look fit enough.”

“What do you say, Hudson?” I asked. “Looks like we don’t have any other option.”

“I got no problem working at a ranch,” he grinned proudly. “It’ll be just like gowin’ up in Texas.”

“Just head right up that street,” the owner pointed. “You can’t miss it.”

“Yeah only I just got one question,” Hudson said.

“What’s that?”

“There aren’t any giant bugs at the ranch are there?”