Chapter 3
The sudden noise of footsteps made Artemis jerk back to reality as he leapt up from the chair to find Lilith standing just in front him cowering slightly from his reaction. Relaxing he slumped back down as he looked across at her "Sorry you just startled me that's all" "Ummm I'm sorry if I did something wrong back in my room" she said as Artemis shook his head "No it wasn't your fault it's just... Well it's been some time since I've actually ever comforted someone like that and well it brought up a lot of repressed memories that should have stayed buried".
Getting up from his seat Artemis walked back into the cockpit of the ship as he sat down at the controls taking over from the autopilot while Lilith came and sat next to him watching curiously at how an airship was flown. "So where exactly are you planning on going?" she asked as Artemis shrugged his shoulders "Don't know really, I was hoping you had a destination otherwise I was just going to fly around looking for jobs to do". "Well in that case can I tag along to your jobs" Lilith asked putting on a sweet and innocent looking face which Artemis couldn't find the strength to reject. "Fine just don't get in my way, I don't want to have to look after your ass as well as mine alright" upon hearing the answer a smile lit up on Lilith's face as she lunged forward hugging Artemis who straight away went to push her off but hesitated and finally decided not to act so cold hearted towards her. "So then where are we going first" Lilith said excitement ringing in her voice while Artemis stared up at a map where there were 5 flashing red dots and pointed to one "A little place called Mortron, seems that there are some rebels who want help in eradicating the imperials from their city and are willing to pay a lot of money".
As the Balthazar touched down on an arid desert wasteland Lilith raced out of the ship straight onto the sand with Artemis quickly dashing out behind her annoyed she would race out so quickly. "Hey! Wait up what are you going to do if someone thinks you're an imperial, you'll get shot" he roared to Lilith who froze straight on the spot which sent a shiver straight up Artemis's spine as he slowly reached for his plasma pistol, drawing it he pointed the gun at a man claded in desert gear holding an m4 straight at Lilith's head. "Are you lot imperial spies!" he roared as Artemis slowly placed his pistol back in the holster and raised his hands "We don't mean you any harm, I'm a sky pirate and heard you needed help flushing out imperials, so I've come to help". The man looked over at Lilith then grunted "Who's the girl" "She's with me and means no harm as well trust me" content with what he had heard the man lowered his gun and pulled up a chain as an underground entrance appeared, ushering both inside he pulled the entrance back down concealing the underground bunker.
Artemis and Lilith were both brought before an elderly man sitting atop a makeshift throne surrounded by numerous guards all armed with assault rifles. The messenger knelt as he addressed the man "Sir we have brought the mercenary who will help us liberate our city of the imperial forces" the elderly man opened his eyes while he looked Artemis up and down while stroking his long dark grey beard. "Hmmmm looks impressive enough, but I can't be 100% sure that you'll be good enough so here's a test" one of the men grabbed an apple from the table next to the man and placed it in his old withered hand. "If you can shoot this apple dead centre then I'll hire you and if you cannot then leave my sights" Artemis grinned as he bowed to the man "I'll do it one step better and make myself blind folded, does that please you?" pulling a rag out of his pocket Artemis tied it around his eyes then drew his plasma pistol out.
Everyone in the room held their breath as he slowly aimed the gun towards the apple and let loose one round while Lilith closed her eyes unable to watch but as she slowly opened them there was a huge hole right in the middle of the apple. "Excellent, excellent you're perfect even better than perfect. I'll let my field commander Ricket give you the lowdown on what's happening and when the job has been completed you'll get paid". With that a short stocky man lumbered out beckoning Artemis and Lilith to follow him towards into another room where a tall slender man with shaggy black hair was leaning on a table with a map in front of him. "Ah so you must be the mercenary my names Ricket" Artemis gripped the man's hand and noticing he had quite the grip strength for someone so tall and lean. "I'm Artemis and this is Lilith so give me the lowdown on what's been happening and your plan of assault".