A Guild Pulled from Another World

o allow for full dexterity while working in the docks which are frequently depressurized. The suit was tight fitting with an exoskeleton brace along his body. The suit is normally bright hi-vis greenish-yellow with orange and yellow reflective tassels. This time however he was covered from head to toe in soot and oil. Kevin noticed that Jason did not have his tool bag, which was unusual for him, normally he would never let it leave his sight.

Jason was Kevins adopted younger brother having known him since their time in one of many orphanages in the massive structure. The only reason Jason was able to move to this apartment complex is because Kevin used him as a referral. Jasons roommate was their younger sister Wilma who worked in the Orbital Police Department, so she was barely home. Jason and Wilma were actually blood siblings and only managed to stay together because of Kevin always looking out for them.

”Jason, hey are you just now getting off of work? ” Kevin asked.

”You haven heard? ” Jason asked as he walked up beside Kevin. ”There was a massive accident at the Trevser Starport. Everything is delayed by at least a day or two. Several people including me got sucked out of the hangar after a massive depressurization. Lost my tool belt too. ”

”Wait what? ” Kevin said, shocked at the revelation. ”Is everyone okay? ”

”As far as I know only a few people were not recoverable, no one I knew thank God, which is honestly a miracle. ” Jasons voice was audibly trembling. ”But hey, I know you were leaving today. I think you should contact the Housing Authority and Movers Association. I am pretty sure they know about what is going on but they will still kick you out even if you don have anywhere to go while the dock is repaired. ”

”I am not worried about the damn housing authority, are you okay? Did you get checked out? ” Kevin asked as he put his hand on Jasons soot covered shoulder. ”We can head to a hospital. I will cover the expenses. ”

”Thanks but I am fine. I was already looked over, I just got a couple bruises. ” Jason assured though his voice quivered unnaturally. He took in a shallow breath and closed his eyes although Kevin could not see his face clearly. ”I saw something unnatural out there. ” Jason said so low that the air refused to carry the sound beyond his lips.

”I didn hear that. ” Kevin responded.

”I said we will talk later! ” Jason announced loudly, clearing his throat with resolution. ”I have to take a shower and you have a date with the Housing Authority and Moving Association. ”

Kevin let out a long sigh and with a defeated breath. He was already well aware of the massive headache the Housing Authority is going to be about the situation. They never liked him since he one the apartment in the lottery which was meant for a family of at least three people. They tried to disqualify and evict him under the pretense that he obviously would not be able to pay for an apartment of this size. However, he made enough as a streamer to billions of people that he could not only afford the apartment but he could get a larger size if they had it available.

”Thanks for the heads up. ” Kevin said as he retracted his hand and rubbed the ash on his dingy gray t-shirt. ”If you say you are alright thats fine, but I will be checking on you later. ”

”No problem, Wilma will probably kill me if I went and died. ” Jason said as he let out a yawn.

Jason pressed a button on his suit which causes a depressurizing hiss on his suits right arm as a small amount of air rushes out. When the hissing stops he twists the node on his wrist which allows him to take off his filthy glove. He reached out his hand and Kevin firmly grabbed it appreciating the gesture. Both men smiled though neither could see the others mouth because of their headgear. Jason then retreated down the hall in the opposite direction to get to his apartment.

Kevin walked to the elevator while flipping through news stories with his mind through his Sensory Augmentation. He was looking up information on the massive accident that occurred in the dock he was scheduled to leave from later that same day. Jason was right, the port would be down for two days as repairs were complete. This puts a wrench in his plans as there is often a slim window when it comes to interplanetary travel. Missing the allotted window by even a few hours can add days to the trip time or cause the trip to be canceled altogether until the next allotted time.