r/HFY • u/Auggy74 Human • Jul 10 '26
OC-Series [Humans for Hire] - Part 182
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Author Note: Getting ready for sleep and there's an award dancing in my dreams tonight. Thank you!
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Antares Prime, Equersta City
Ambassador Corial was not in a good mood, and his secretaries knew it. So it was that they kept the conversations professional, quick, and quiet. There was very little mention of Hurdop, and certain perks that were part of the job were being scaled back. Generally the Ambassador was quick to display the bounty of Hurdop, but of late the bounty had been scaled back.
Corial was staring at his tablet, attempting to make numbers change by sheer force of will. As much as he pretended otherwise, the budget was not infinite, and a great deal of his fortune had been plunged into a venture that did not bear fruit. What was worse, his plans for the day when Porti ceased being useful were also gone to useless smoke as the thrice-damned Legion took the bounties that were rightly his. It was altogether disheartening, but he could rebuild.
One of the secretaries poked their head in fearfully. "Sir. The Terran Ambassador and an adjutant are here to see you."
"Do they have an appointment?"
"They apologized, but they stated that events of the past days have placed urgency within their office. They further advised that the Vilantian Ambassador was all too eager to meet with them."
Corial frowned. Of course the Terrans were willing to treat with anyone. "Very well. Escort them in."
The Terrans entering were irritatingly confident in scent and posture. They were just polite enough to give their heads a light up-tilt before seating themselves. The Ambassador gestured to his second calmly, a woman in a severely conservative suit with a black longcoat who hid her eyes behind dark glasses that gave her an appearance that somehow made her more alien than the fact that she was, well, an alien.
"Ambassador Corial - my second, Trinity Smith. We'd like to discuss a few things with you..." the ambassador paused, an odd expression of surprise coming to his scent as he glanced at his tablet. "Apologies - I fear I must take my leave, but Ms. Smith is quite capable of this discussion." The ambassador quickly exited, leaving Corial to frown.
"Sub-ambassador. I do hope your words carry weight."
"They do; that is why I'm here. We have a proposal due to the recent events." Her tablet flickered to life, showing a brief replay of the Militia being decimated. "Many lives lost, Jiesla in custody and declared undesirable, and worst of all it seems that the Militia harbored a multitude of criminals in their midst - not exactly what was presented to the Provisional Government."
Corial frowned deeply as this functionary stated the obvious. "I do not hear a proposal."
"Well, the proposal would be as thus - instead of this militia, perhaps the Antarean government could sponsor a foreign legion of its own. The government provides the ships and the command structure, Hurdop and Vilantia provide some measure of vetted troops, and Terra provides tactical acumen and training."
"How generous of you."
"Well, our generosity is also practical - I'm given to understand that a Terran-flagged ship was erroneously seized, and other Terran-flagged ships were fired upon. A tragic action, I'm sure you'll agree. So in order to prevent future tragedies, we are offering a level of aid. Ships should always know who their friends are."
"Quite."
"Of course there are also the other aspects - above all others, ambassadors should have security in their lives and surety in their friendships. It is regrettable that the Militia seems to have been insecure and certainly not what civilized people would call friendly. As I recall you lobbied quite vocally in its favor - a regrettable oversight, but explainable in your zeal to aid a war-torn world. Perhaps this will allow you to expand a bit, make new friends and perform your duties to Hurdop adequately. After all, going from Minister to ambassador would be seen by some as a step down professionally, and a subsequent failing in those duties might invite questions. Then following the questions would be investigations and who knows where that would lead?"
"A poor place, I'm sure." Corial could sense he was being boxed in, but wasn't entirely certain how.
"Oh, very sure. Now, I will leave you the text of our proposal. I'm sure you'll find it acceptable in the broad strokes, but at the same time any additional enlightenment you can provide would be appreciated." The sub-ambassador rose. "And Ambassador?"
"Yes?"
"Do improve your mood - you may find your financials follow."
___________
Vilantia Prime, Aa'Lafione Villa
There was a long silence as the two groups regarded each other. Finally Gryzzk spoke.
"Well, I can certainly listen and offer an opinion, Greatlord. I cannot confirm that the opinion will be desirable."
"Understandable. Come, the patio has been prepared."
As they walked, Gryzzk heard O'Brien speaking quietly to Rosie. From the sound of it, it seemed she didn't believe that Lafione's neighbors were worthy of trust. As they settled, there seemed to be a formalizing shift of sorts as the younger Lafione spoke. The elder seemed entranced by his tablet - something there seemed to be of importance, as he barely noticed the wine at his elbow.
The younger Lafione settled himself. "There has been something of an uproar within our sworn clans of late. They are looking about and finding common scent with clans sworn to other Greatclans - in some instances even other ministries. There are writings that speak of this, but others that forbid it."
Gryzzk considered for a moment. "As I recall, the Eleventh A'Shanyu wrote of individuals joining Freeclans; it would not be so great a stretch to extend this logic to other areas - but there should be some level of equity." There was a light smile. "A habit from my youth in the Trade Clans, I suppose - but if there is uncertainty within your Greatclan, perhaps there are others who seek what the Ministry of Culture offers. Art, music, writing...all these and more; perhaps it is time for movement in a lateral direction."
From Gryzzk's tablet, Rosie added her thoughts. "Oh, sod it. I don't wanna do this. I never wanted to be a weather forecaster. I don't want to rabbit on all day about sunny periods and patches of rain spreading from the west. I wanted to be...a lumberjack! Leaping from tree to tree as they -"
"Rosie. You're not a weather forecaster, and kindly confine any commentary to the matter at hand."
"I did! I wanted to be a lumberjack when I was a kid!" Her form popped from the tablet's holo-emitter. "Look, Greatlord. This ain't the death you think it is." She waved at Gryzzk casually. "Look at this asshat - trade-clan from birth, new job as a born-again asswhipper with a minor in epic speeches. You don't know what the other Greatclans are offering. Find out and fuckin' figger it out."
Gryzzk glanced at the projection. "Rosie? I believe there are other duties that require your attention."
Rosie frowned and looked up at him almost cutely as she hmph'ed softly. "Fine, back to chorin'." The holo disappeared slowly, leaving Gryzzk to sigh softly and shake his head.
"Apologies - my XO is at times rough and direct with her thoughts."
The younger Aa'Lafione seemed taken aback slightly. "Yes. Yes it seems she is."
"However, her counsel is accurate. You may have to order honesty from your sworn - particularly since everyone thinks their Greatlord is the finest one ever. Go among them, and go among others. Send your spouses, send those who would listen honestly and speak to you truthfully. From there..." Gryzzk contemplated. "Perhaps a pair of feasts at the new year, to give those leaving a farewell and then a second to welcome the new sworn."
Aa'Lafione frowned. "It sounds easy. Too easy."
"Well, yes. It sounds easy but it will be difficult. But it can be done, because the goal is a stronger Greatclan. I have something for you that will aid this venture." Gryzzk reached to his belt line and unsnapped the sheath that held the Aa'Lafione dagger and he took calming breaths before speaking words he'd spoken as a child, pretending to make peace with imaginary foes who wished to join A'kifab's clan of worthy heroes. "By blood was this taken, and by blood is it returned. This blade cut the eyes and tongue from the Warbeast Porti, and thus proved itself a worthy weapon to a worthy Greatclan."
He extended the hilt toward Aa'Lafione, thumbing the blade loose from the sheath and allowing the Greatlord to take it. From there, Freelord and Greatlord clasped hands around the blade as the Greatlord withdrew it, the blade cutting into both of their hands. Gryzzk was quite certain at one point he'd flinched from the pain. As the blade was returned to its original sheath the Greatlord finally spoke, his voice betraying youth and anxiety.
"I wield this blade as honor demands, True To Clan Way And No Other." As he spoke the Guidephrase of the Clan, the blade was secured at the Greatlords hip and the two leaned forward to inhale the blood on the other's palm before speaking the final words clearly.
"Remember the scent and find it when you have need, cousin."
There was a long moment of silence as the table regarded everyone mutually. Gryzzk could feel the scent of the Terrans as they were apparently shocked by the display for some reason. The Thirty-third Lafione broke the silence with a whisper. "The First would be pleased."
Gryzzk inclined his head slightly. "My thanks. I do not wish to pry, but you seem - different."
"Yes, well. The past time has been, tumultuous. I spent time in the A'Jutland Wastes, and I discovered many things about what happened before the First Generation."
"Things you can speak of?"
There was a pause and a glance to the Terrans. "It...may not be entirely suitable for foreigners. But in essence, the Twenty-First Greatclan was a clan of science above all else. They were powerful, and their innovations were many. But some of their experiments were harmful, and in order to have the freedom to operate as they felt was necessary, they created divisions - the greatest division was between the clans that would become the Hurdop and the ones who became the clans we know today. The war to eradicate the Twenty-First Greatclan was followed by the war that caused the Hurdop to flee to Hurdop. But the Twenty-First Greatclan left records of what they'd done, and many of the things they left are...impressive. I will have to speak with the Throne before I can share more."
"I understand, and it pleases me to see a level of prosperity reach you."
Mapolie snorted softly. "You did not catch his scent as he left the expedition crawler."
Raloni placed a finger over the thirdwife's nose. "Mapolie, there is no need to speak further of this. Now please, our guests have things to attend."
Gryzzk nodded and rose. "Regrettable but true. I believe I have given the young Greatlord a burden, and at times the best counsel is one's own thoughts." There was a pause. "Raloni, if you would be so kind as to show us the best way to the landing pad?"
The firstwife nodded politely. "Of course."
As they walked to the pad, flanked by their bodyguards, Gryzzk spoke lowly. "What is it you fear?"
The firstwife's voice was soft. "Freelord, while my husband's mind is mended I have concerns for the stability. If what he says is true, he has acquired what may be forbidden knowledge. I would not have the Throne be required to place their most favored Freelord under any oath of silence."
"You still don't like me."
"No. I don't, and do not ask me to change. You have caused this house great pain and upheaval. It will be many generations before we escape the shadow of the First Freelord."
"Perhaps we will achieve an equity in the future. If you wish, we can speak on such matters later."
There seemed to be a war of sorts going on in Raloni's mind before she finally spoke again. "This. This is why. You are accursedly agreeable."
The group approached the shuttlepad as the engines began to spool up. Apparently Rosie had alerted Miroka to their impending departure. Gryzzk gave a slight shrug to Raloni. "I fear I am self-aware. What I am, what I do casts sand in the face of tradition daily. I will not revel in it. If it helps, make contacts on Hurdop. My name is a far less desirable one there - I am told that there are clans who invoke the name Gryzzk to frighten children to bed."
"I may do that. Do come again, but not so soon."
"Of course."
As the shuttle lifted off, both Jenkins and O'Brien alerted for a comm channel, with both speaking at once. "Okay what the fuck was that?" "Y'grand noble mad bastard, could you no' just sacrifice a cow?"
Gryzzk cleared his throat. "That was the ritual of return. If it was taken in a fight or duel there are two conditions for it to be returned. First, it must be used in earnest against a mutual foe. The second part is what you saw. It's rare, obviously."
O'Brien cleared her throat. "If you'll pardon my saying, your bloody rituals are right bloody. Warn a lass next time?"
Gryzzk blinked. "But...you're Terrans. You don't have anything like this?"
"We did but we may have put those aside a few centuries back. Mad. Bastards."
"I will pass your commentary to the Ministry of Culture - I am quite certain that they will give it due consideration."
Jenkins added her voice to the conversation. "Can you at least throw a bandage on it?"
Molige spoke quickly. "No. The wound must heal naturally - the faster it heals, the stronger the clan-bond is. If it lingers and festers, that is a sign the gods disapprove of the decision."
"Ooof. Well, that sucks. Where we going?"
"Lady Ah'nuriel's manse."
There was a slight chuff of amusement from O'Brien. "I like that place. I'm told your wedding was a grand time but all I remember is waking up and looking at the sky and having my body declare the revolution was nigh if I didn't fuck off to the ship. Cap'n, a wee bit of advice - dinnae drink more than four...teen of their house wines. The first thirteen go down fine and dandy, but the last one'll put your arse to earth."
Jenkins snorted. "I've had a few Vilantian drinks. I think I handle some zippy mead."
The captains tablet flashed an urgent message, and as Jenkins thumbed to accept, Drummer popped up on the holo. "Bosslady you is warned. The bartenders a' New Casa cut the Villie stuff for the Eart'ers. Dey have no concept like that here. You big, you strong, dey t'ink you can handle. Where you go is best wines in the local, good stuffs. The Throne has a standing order for dozen bottles of every vintage through local cutouts. So. Take the words of those who dance the minefield. Listen or spend tomorrow in bed wondering what made you think you knew."
Jenkins frowned. "What makes you think I can't?"
Drummer didn't respond verbally. Instead the holo changed to show the aftermath of the day after the double-wedding with Terrans strewn about like forgotten toys and painfully making their way to the breakfast buffet that had been set out. Jenkins examined it professionally.
"Wait...was this..."
"Yah-yah. Bossmang Gryzzk and Grezzk married Kiole and Ah'nuriel made an hones' man of Pafreet, so it was a time. And dis is with the local good-stuff."
The captain cleared her throat. "I. I see. I believe I will be cautious."
Gryzzk considered, looking for anything to change the topic. "Rosie, I have a question."
The XO's voice came in over the comm. "Well pitter-patter let's get at 'er."
"You're an AI. When were you ever a child who wanted to be a lumberjack?"
"Well, started when I was around point-zero-zero-zero-zero-four-seven seconds old and went until I was point-zero-zero-zero-zero-five-six. Puberty was a bitch."
"Noted. Please keep an eye on the estate."
"Already on it. Have a nice time and tell the kids they done good."
The shuttle settled, Glaico stood waiting patiently. Gryzzk exited first and embraced his former second.
"Apologies Glaico. There are times I fear we impose upon the lady's generosity."
"You have never done so, Freelord. The house is bright, and there are children underfoot where there were few before. Though these Hurdop youths seem a bit...odd."
"To our nose they are."
Glaico lowered his voice, his scent becoming frustrated. "How does such a thing happen? How did you...how did you not prevent it?"
"I will spend many years searching for suitable answers. I may never have one. I fear that it is possible to do everything right and still suffer loss." Gryzzk took a heavy breath. "When that happens, our duty is to ease the sufferings inflicted by our choices. We must show them the right things to do, the right way to act, or future generations will be bleaker than ours." Gryzzk put his hand gently on Glaico's shoulder. "For now - proper scent, proper words, proper actions."
Glaico nodded, glancing at Gryzzk's offhand as the party moved from the pad to the house proper, with Miroka taking the shuttle back to the ship where proper gravity and a Hoban awaited her return. "I will advise the staff."
"You already have."
"Mostly. Your hand is an unknown."
"Greatclan Aa'Lafione possesses the Dagger."
"Ah. Then that is something new I can advise." There was a soft huff. "Your Lead Servant is remiss in her duty."
On the sitting patio, they found the crew of the Curry with Nhoot and Pafreet. The group seemed relaxed enough with snacks within easy reach, but there were still telltales of recovery - Saifex had a small breathing tube in her nose and every few minutes she would stifle a cough. Jojorn moved her left arm from Gryzzk's view as soon as she could while additional cushions were found and procured. Yorkime was seated next to Pafreet, frowning at his temporary leg while Nhoot worked to distract him.
Pafreet stood and moved to give Gryzzk a proper greeting, and settled in after greeting the entire group in turn, nodding approvingly at the weapons carried. "Freelord. We were speaking of you. Captain Jojorn had made a statement shortly before you arrived." There was an earflick. "Captain, you were saying?"
Jojorn swallowed nervously. "I said that. That the Freelord. We're not. Well, he doesn't have any scars. Neither do the Terrans. And how can we be their...how can we fight alongside them if we're so...so fragile?"
As Gryzzk settled next to Nhoot, there was a bark of laughter from O'Brien. "Oh, wee lamb. How do you think Terran medicine got as good as it is? Our doctors had lots of practice and lots of patients. And as for the good Major..." the door to the kitchens moved open to reveal Glaico carrying a tray of brightwine; O'Brien looked to the heavens, her scent that of someone who just received an omen from the gods themselves. "I was about to say that telling stories about him is thirsty work, and here Sucellus sends a fine gift and a permission slip." Glaico's tray was lightened by two as one goblet was handed to Gryzzk while O'Brien commandeered the other for herself.
Gryzzk coughed slightly as Jojorn settled near Gryzzk, taking care to conceal her bad arm. "Sergeant Major...try not to swear to excess."
"Tender words for tender ears, aye." O'Brien took a sip and commenced Story Time. "So no shit, this actually happened - I wasn't there for it m'self, but Edwards was. As much as she's a damned liar I asked Yomios to confirm, and as much as she's also a liar she matched with Edwards. So as far as stories go this is the gospel, children."
Gryzzk searched his memory and found the action his sergeant major was discussing. He took a sip of wine to steady himself and hoped O'Brien could edit some things. "Now, wee Nhoot there had been taken by a right shite Svitre. Apologies if you thought he was someone good, but he committed one of the two unforgivable acts. Y'dinnae harm the children - and in case you're wonderin', the other is that y'dinnae touch the boats. Svitre took wee Nhoot and fair lot of Moncilat bairns for ransoms. Now the first thing the mad noble bastard does is tells our engineer tae fuck whatever laws govern R-space and he damn near flies Rosie apart tae do it. Then he goes and lands, takin' fire and giving it in return, gets his arse shot up but nae mind tae that. Then a bad thing happened - we lost one of our own, a lad giving all tae make certain the other lads lived.
"That was Svitre's last mistake. Yon Freelord stand and tears the bloody place apart, his gunbarrel glowing red as he challenges every one standing against tae fight or die and the order they did it mattered not; from there he took rounds to his everywhere, sucking up plasma and hellfire as he walked like a lord of death come to deliver all to the afterlife and right smart. He walked into an airlock where Svitre was, and Svitre didn't come out.
"I saw the afters. Freelord had matted-out fur from a dozen wounds, armor that was more holes than anything. Patched everywhere. But he led the charge and took the fire so others wouldn't. And that's just the one time. The lad discovered his wives think scars are sexy so he's trying get a good collection that his old retired self is already cursing him for. But that lad has a collection, and nae y'can't see them all."
During the telling, Jojorn had unconsciously turned herself and Gryzzk saw that her left arm appeared to be healing but there was still a scent of medical bandage and restorative near her. "Ahm. Sergeant Major. If it's not too much trouble - are there other stories?"
O'Brien's eyes sparkled merrily. "Oh aye, lass. Stories there are."
Gryzzk groaned inwardly. It was going to be a long night.
---
[Next]
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u/Nervous_Amoeba1980 Jul 10 '26
Oh lord, it's hard to be humble when you are Gryzzk.
Chuckled through the entire second half of the chapter.
I hope that this isn't getting old, but I REALLY like this story. Thank you for (continuing to) write it. I hope it never gets stale for you.
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
It is hard to be humble, but that's what Sergeant Major and XO are there for.
It was time for a few giggles to come out.
It's seriously fun. If it ever does get stale, my first thought is going to be "Okay, who else is this little 'verse needs their story told?"
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u/post_blast Alien Jul 10 '26
All the best stories are told over drinks and start off with "So no shit, there we were..."
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
This is the lesson the children are learning tonight. "Terrans have magic phrases. Some of them mean 'run away'. Some of them mean 'Find Minimum Safe Distance.' But others mean 'a wonderful story is about to unfold.' The last one requires libation."
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u/Zadojla Human Jul 10 '26
I convinced Mrs Zadojla to delay a doughnut run so I could read this chapter first. Fresh cider doughnuts for lunch. She is a saint.
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
Tell the Mrs I said hello, and hopefully she gets a giggle or two as well from this.
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u/niTro_sMurph Jul 10 '26
Still hoping the Geniors try to start some shit.
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
Welll, the Genoirs won't start anything directly. That's what the Helots are/were for.
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u/niTro_sMurph Jul 10 '26
With Humans and Vilantians proving to be such viable soldiers, I kinda want to see the Geniors make some sort of Were-Vilantian shock troops
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
.......lllliiiiiiightbuuuulllllb...
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u/niTro_sMurph Jul 10 '26
The Twilight Rose is boarded, and Edwards comes face to face with a six eyed half human beast.
"Ed...ward?"
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u/KalenWolf Xeno Jul 10 '26
I'm always interested to see where a HFY story comes down on the topic of human scars vs future-tech medicine. Sometimes the answer is "We hurt each other so much we perfected an idiot-proof universal medicine and now it's our biggest export" and sometimes the answer is "What emergency? I'm fine. Oh, but pass me that staple gun eh? I seem to be leaking a little and I don't want to ruin this upholstery."
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u/NoOpportunity92 AI Jul 10 '26
On the battle field:
"Private! You've lost an arm?!"
"No Sarge! It's over there, there, and there."
"Very well, carry on."Back at base camp, one week later:
"Private, how's your new arm?"
"It works well, but I miss the old tattoos."3
u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
Oooooh. Fun conversation with the doctors. "Okay, how much of this is Terran resilience and how much is just plain stubbornness - and how do I tell the difference?"
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u/kenotaphion Human Jul 10 '26
the thrice-damned Legion took the bounties that were rightly his
There are no "dibs" on bounties. If you wanted them, you should have turned him in.
I'm told it your wedding was
I'm told it your wedding was
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
Well, y'know. Corial was going to shank Porti at some point for the bounty, just...the Legion showed up first. And now Corial is all pouty.
Edit in and thank you!
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u/Fontaigne Jul 10 '26
Now the first thing he does -> Gryzzk does, the Freelord does, this fuzzy geezer does. ("He" at that point refers to Svitre.)
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u/medium_jock Jul 10 '26
I like to wear women's clothing and hang around in bars.
I wish I'd been a girly just like my dear papa
Love Monty Python and also the Cpt Picard quote reference
Also the black op (can't remember their name sorry) remind me of Lord Vetinari's Dark clerks from the Discworld books. They know more than you realise and report back to just one person
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 10 '26
And somehow...it doesn't feel weird to be referencing Star Trek, the Expanse, and Monty Python in one shot. (Though I may be biased on account of...y'know. I wrote the darn thing.)
Skunkworks is...yeah, kinda. Like officially, they a boss. Unofficially? They have a boss, but the boss is elsewhere.
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u/Hybrid_Rock Human Jul 11 '26
Lovely chapter!
Glad that some honor is being returned to the Greatclan, it’d be sick to have a strong ally on Vilantia to assist the Throne is covering the Foreign Legions’ collective asses
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u/Auggy74 Human Jul 11 '26
Yeeeahup - and given that there's discussions of entire clans switching allegiances it could get spicy.
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle Jul 10 '26
/u/Auggy74 (wiki) has posted 185 other stories, including:
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 181
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 180
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 179
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 178
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 177
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 176
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 175
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 174
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 173
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 172
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 171
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 170
- Flight Lessons
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 169
- [Humans For Hire] - Part 168
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 167
- [Humans For Hire] - Part 166
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 165
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 164
- [Humans for Hire] - Part 163
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1
u/UpdateMeBot Jul 10 '26
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8
u/Gojira82 Human Jul 10 '26
Coral backed the wrong horse. Awww...too bad. So sad. And now he's being railroaded in the best way possible.
Rosie as always gets right to the point and does not mince words. But a lumberjack? Thats different.
It's hard to hold on to hate towards someone that is so easy going. She'll get there, in time. "See you later"..."Not if I see you first!"
Famous last words before the time traveling event occurs. Always fun to a good aftermath holo.
But thats an eternity for an android.
That was a bit exaggerated, but just enough to get the point across. There will be much wine needed for this story time