Among the Stars: Bullseye

Darnell floated through space, tethered back to the Lorelei's Lament by the braided steel cable hooked to his belt. The stars were beautiful out here.

After a time, he radioed back. "This ain't like last time, is it, Bach? I don't want to open the airlock and find myself face to face with a some space-happy freighter pilot with a gun again.”

“Too late for second thoughts, cowboy, but you saw the ship, right? It's beat to shit. And they're not answering. If they're in need of aid, we have to provide it. It's not only the law but our moral imper-a-tive.”

“Yeah, yeah. How come whenever you talk about civic duty I get hives?”

“Because you're allergic to kindness, propriety, and all things good?”

“Or just the bullshit that spews from your mouth.”

“Same thing.”

"It sure is."

The side of the damaged freighter grew bigger and bigger as it got closer.

Darnell used a short burst of his suit's jets to push himself towards the ship's door. "I have contact."

"Noted and logged. Knock and see if anyone's home."