I lean back slightly, watching with dry amusement. Claw is busy catching up with the bartender, who I gather he's met before. Shinyso is, of course, looking for trouble. I know what the next question is before it is asked.
"So what happened then?"
I shrug. "Nothing much. We headed out to the Idelo sector ... snuck in under their scanners. No work, but Shonar found someone willing to use his skills. I hear Evaluator's still kicking around with him, too."
I have quite a crowd around me, but they start to drift away to listen to some other tale. The War Tavern's dimly lit surroundings are, as always, provocative to storytelling. Most of the patrons I recognize.
The next question draws me back. "What happened to Zanzibar and whatisname, Jerrana?"
"I'm not really sure," I confess. "I think they did get married. I think Phoebe was disappointed; she had quite the interest in him for a while."
I glance around. One of the rabbits talking to Shinyso meets my gaze and grins; I recognize him as Defalcon, an old friend. Off in a corner, where Saturn once sat, I see Crystal Summer talking to Zazz Darkfist. Behind the bar, Ducky whacks the other bartended, Night Fire. I glance at the spot where Shinyso slew the lynx mercenary.
"So where are the others?"
"Omega is still with the Sarav, teaching them spy techniques. I hear Emerald Dragon keeps getting herself reelected as their leader, even though Raxizil has been freed," I comment distantly. "Alpha sticks around him. Zazz is back as a bounty hunter, and Nightshade's still assassinating. Kovu's hooked up with Kaz for a while, they're off making trouble. I think Blacksheep's still on Carrotus, no idea what she's up to. Wild Angel's back as an informant. She was pretty torn up about Jassiv." I pause, remembering the cold, young blue rabbit and his sacrifice. Three months after the fact, his, Grath's and Scimitar's deaths still sting like an open wound. It will heal.
After a few more questions, I am alone. I can see a few ace pilots clustered in a corner, making passes with their hands as they recount some distant battle. I could join them, but I won't. For now, I sit, lost in my memories. Jassiv, Kroys, Scimitar, Shonar, Evaluator, Sharrakamov ... all the odd characters I've met in my career.
Shinyso gets up, saying something final to Defalcon and Crystal. He stalks over to my table, and Claw glances over, finishing his conversation with Night Fire. Ducky smiles at me, and I return the grin. Zazz waves, and Defalcon walks over.
"Well, I'll see you around," he says casually. "Where are you headed next?"
"Titan IV, in the Skorpti system," I reply. "Got a job proposition. We'll see how it works out."
Two pilots who I've seen before, one with a ship called Scorpion and the other the pilot of the Shadow Viper, nod to me as they pass. Defalcon flashes me a quick grin, which I return, and says, "good luck. Hope you survive this one," and I laugh. Claw walks over.
"Are you ready to leave yet?" he says with false irritation. I snort in way of answer, and Shinyso smirks at both of us. I stand up and sarcastically gesture for Claw to lead the way before following as we head for the door. We make a great team.
It's been a long day. With a final grin and a wave to those in the War Tavern, I leave. They know I'll be back.
Hey, the adventure's just begun!

The End