The Gunslinger.....

Fort Lendill planet of Davah IV in the Cepheus constellation, outskirts of Maurit.....

The messenger ran through the winding city streets. Where was he? The girl had been told to deliver the message to the man with the crosses. She felt like she had searched the entire town. She turned a corner and heard laughter. A seedy little hole in the wall bar across the alley. She peeked inside, men arm wrestling, drinking, watching highlights and commentary on the BattleCity event. They gave the child no notice. In the corner she saw him. His hat pulled over his eyes, his feet on a chair, a bottle of whiskey beside him. From beneath his duster she could see his springshot pistol, and the crosses dangling from the handle.

"Mister Jack, Mister Jack!" She whispered as she crept up to him, shaking his arm. The brim raised just enough to reveal his eyes, alert and cautious. He turned to the girl as she handed him the packet. "Mister Jack! That came to the hotel an hour ago!."

He slowly opened the packet, noting the Seal of Fort Lendill at the top, and the signature of the Master Vanguard at the bottom. Then he read the content.

Chaplain Jack

In order to expand the utility of the Ft Lendill/SUARM forces, you and your gunmonk squad will be re-assigned effective immediately throught the fleet. We need more earthers and other non-SUARM in response to the ever growing use of EMP in battles. Therefore you will board the heavy capital ship Rosethorn to meet up with Chameleon's Grace, where you will be assigned on special detail. I look forward to working with you soon.

Lady Lil'ye'ahn
Master Vanguard of Fort Lendill


He closed the letter, and pulled what looked like a popsicle stick from his pocket. He read the fortune on it, and looked down at the girl.
"Looks like Chaplain Jack's goin on a trip."