Kit was sitting in a small room. It had functional chairs and bare walls. It had the classic musty smell of an underground bunker. The new resistance HQ did not have the class and construction of the old one. But he liked the location. It was located less than a thirty minute flight from Shiwa, the Healer's island, Hagoa. She was what qualified for a wife to the big guy, Kez Visat. But he could operate much more freely away from the Seer's island, Thay. He wouldn't have to keep an eye out for aerial forces so much. He figured that he would like this new "Supreme Commander." He chuckled at the title. What madness did these people subscribe to? No matter, as long as their payment was upfront and they needed illicit parts, he was happy to smuggle it off the islands. He had made himself quite wealthy over the years supplying parts for their water generators. Hydrogen Oxygen fusion plants were not cheap to run or maintain. But the resistance seemed to have money and guts in large supply. His opinion was that they could do with a bit more brains however.
The door opened and Supreme Commander Duratai stepped in closing the door behind him. He was alone, but his reputation preceded him. He was not the type to be taken lightly or you would become missing pretty quickly. Under his command over the last few years the resistance had transformed into a proper military force by striking strategically and infrequently. Duratai looked the smuggler over. Kit was a plump man with hair only above his ears. His face carried a large black moustache that covered his mouth. His clothes were islander garb. The usual pastel colours with yellow trim. The men nodded at each other.
"Apologies for the wait mister Kitrak."
"Just Kit is fine Commander."
"You are not under my command sir. You are welcome to call me Duratai."
"If you insist. Drink?" Kit offered the High Commander a flask. Alcohol was a rare luxury outside of island life and Duratai accepted a swig of the bitter fire in the flask.
"Fuck. I'm sure you could fuel your aircar with that."
"I'll put you up for five bottles with your next delivery"
Duratai stared at the man, eyebrow raised. Then a sneer crossed his face.
"It is going to be a pleasure doing business with you sir… Kit."
"I have been supplying your people for decades and –"
"Please Kit. I am well aware of your contributions to our movement." Duratai lifted his display card.
"Mr Kitrak. Registered supplier since 4995 current era. Most notably you have contributed to the construction of five fusion plants and untold weapons. In short, you are a good man to know. But also a liability."
"No wait here. If you are implying I would ever give information to those filthy chosen."
"Not at all. Your liability Kit is in your transport. As we speak your drive is being upgraded and weapons installed. One can never be too careful."
"Oh. Well you have my thanks High Commander."
Duratai smiled at Kit's use of his title. There were few who knew him that refused to use it. He had earned it by blood and fire.
"You would be surprised Kit. Making the right friends can change the world." Kit took another swig, then handed the flask to Duratai once more. This time Duratai did not flinch when he sipped. His eyes went hard and Kit knew the pleasantries had come to an end. Duratai passed a display to Kit, who took it up. He read each item listed in turn and frowned.
"Some of the parts listed here are restricted and limited even to the high ranking islanders."
"I'm sure you'll find a way sir."
"I always do. But it will take some time and come at a price."
"Your payment will be double your normal fee. As for time, well none of us are getting any younger. I'm sure however that it will be worth the wait. You have six months until the order is due. I trust you will not disappoint." Duratai stood and straightened his formal jacket then as he left said: "I trust your accommodations will be in order until you leave tomorrow. Good day." Then he was gone.
Kit sat staring at the list of supplies he was expected to acquire. He doubted disappointing the High Commander would be in his best interests. He drained his flask and left to the hangar. If he was to make the delivery in the time limit given, he had no time to waste. He hoped that his aircar's upgrades were done and would serve to hasten his journey to the impossible task. Kit wondered what the resistance needed these new exotic materials for. Something was brewing underground and he felt that his luxury life on Hagoa was about to be disrupted. When he arrived at the hangar his aircar had been finished. He wasted no time in getting it flying. The aircraft set off low over the wastes toward his near impossible mission. Duratai stood in the hangar control room, watching the aircar speed off into the wasteland skies. He nodded satisfied with the results. This man, Kit would be a great asset in the coming years.
Duratai checked off an item on his display satisfied. Next he had some related business. He turned and marched off toward the elevator.