“How could that have happened?!”

“Crougar deceives all. How do you know he is not deceiving you?”

“He does not deceive all! I truly believe him. It’s you I trust no more!”

It was a day after Hajmoul’s talk with Crougar, and here he was, nestled in the heart of the Halo Station, talking to the man who controlled everything that went on in this hypocritical place. He banned cigars and cigarettes, yet he smoked almost everyday. He banned alcohol from the main station, yet he could be seen pulling himself through the station while catching brandy droplets that came out of his bottle. He was the captain.

Captain Hirika. He could ruin anyone’s life on the station if he so pleased, and here was Hajmoul, talking in a manner which was sure to get him into trouble.

(( Listen to Forbidden Land ))

Hirika was a bulk of a man, fat bulging from every opening in his uniform, a man who enjoyed having fun. Unlike Hajmoul, he did not graduate from a science academy, or any academy, for that matter. Without gravity, he looked quite comical, defying the mind’s logic. However, in the casino, he took on a different look, like that of the extinct hippo and elephants of long ago. His knobby legs alone would never support him, so he had a wood cane, strengthened with iron. The only thing which made him look important was the cape on his back, signifying a captain or other high rank. It was meant to come around his body, but Hajmoul doubted that anything but his custom made clothes could get around his waist. Hajmoul went on.

“You stole Crougar’s money and held it on the ship!”

“He killed one of our men by tampering with the air generator!”

“What he did was unintentional. He did not mean to kill anyone. Besides, it was in retaliation.” Hirika placed his hands on his bulging stomach. “My boy, you are only standing up for him because he delivers you into happiness with alcohol. Now leave, or I will make sure you stay on this station on permanent duty, and never see your wife or children again.” At this, Hajmoul pushed himself out of his chair, bounding at Hirika. But his flight was abruptly stopped by two unseen guards in jet packs. They could move swiftly in the zero gravity. In one swoop, Hajmoul was thrown out of the room. With nothing to stop him, he flew into a wall. There would be bruising.

(( End music ))

Hurt and tired, he pulled himself to the crew quarters, a day of rest in mind. Tomorrow, at least, he had Molly, his children, and Vlad to look forward to.