We're in Space ... So What?

Chapter 10: Chasing the Girl Who Sold us Garbage

Back at their temporary camp, Judah and Jamie sat down to devise a plan. The reality of their situation pressed in on them like a thick fog. "We need to get Angelia back," Jamie said, tapping his fingers on the table, deep in thought. "If we put a small bounty on her head, maybe some local bounty hunters will take the job."

Judah rubbed his chin, contemplating the idea. "It's not much money, but it might get someone's attention. We could offer a few credits for her capture. It's a long shot, but it's better than nothing."

"Exactly," Jamie replied, his excitement building. "We can use what little we have left. It's not like anyone off-planet will come for just a few credits."

They quickly drafted a small bounty flyer, detailing Angelia's description and the reward amount. With the plan set, Judah prepared to head back to work, hoping to raise some extra cash for food. Jamie, on the other hand, decided to do a little sleuthing, determined to gather intel on Angelia's whereabouts.

Later that week, while Jamie was wandering the streets, he decided to drop by Ryan's bar during a lull in customers. The atmosphere was relaxed, and he spotted Ryan polishing glasses behind the bar.

"Hey, man! How's it going?" Jamie greeted, sliding onto a barstool.

Ryan looked up, a grin spreading across his face. "Jamie! Good to see you. Business has been decent. I'm starting to get the hang of things here."

"Glad to hear it," Jamie replied, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "So, have you had any crazy adventures?"

"Nothing like you guys," Ryan laughed, shaking his head. "Just the usual crowd. People love a good drink, you know?"

"Have you heard from Judah?" Ryan asked, leaning in. "Did you guys find a ship?"

Jamie hesitated, the details of their misadventure swirling in his mind. "Yeah, well, we had a few complications with the last one," he said, brushing it off. "But we're working on it. We'll be back in space soon enough."

Ryan raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Just make sure you're both careful out there."

"Always," Jamie assured him, though the truth weighed heavily on his conscience. As he took a sip of his drink, he glanced out the window-and froze.

To his shock, he spotted Angelia walking down the street, glancing around with a wary expression, a small bag of credits clutched tightly in her hand. Jamie's heart raced. "Speak of the devil," he muttered under his breath.

"Who?" Ryan asked, turning to see where Jamie was looking.

"That girl we were talking about," Jamie whispered, his mind racing. "Angelia! She's right there!"

"Wait, are you serious?" Ryan squinted, trying to see. "The one you said scammed you?"

"Yeah," Jamie replied, excitement building. "She's here! I need to tell Judah."

Before Ryan could respond, Jamie hopped off his stool and dashed out the door, determined to catch up with her. The bounty was their best chance at getting back what they'd lost, and now that Angelia was within reach, he wasn't about to let her slip away again.

Angelia was moving quickly, her eyes darting nervously around as if sensing she was being watched. Jamie pushed himself to keep pace, weaving through the throng of people in the marketplace.

"Hey!" he called out, adrenaline surging as he closed the distance between them. "Angelia!"

She glanced back, her eyes widening before she broke into a sprint. Jamie gritted his teeth, instincts kicking in. "Stop! You can't just run off with our money!"

Determined to catch her, he pushed harder, forcing his legs to move faster. The marketplace bustled around them, but all he could focus on was Angelia darting through the crowd.

"Come on, Jamie, you can do this!" he muttered to himself, determination propelling him forward as he chased after the girl who had turned their lives upside down.