Borealis

{popnote:"Borealis"} pertaining to the north wind

The bar seemed to inhale as she entered, pausing to scan the motley gathering. At six feet tall with a mane of crimson hair every eye as was on her. Slim pickings, she thought.

Johann, the bartender, looked up with a toothy smile. "Welcome, Captain Aurora," he spoke, breaking the silence.

"You know me?"

"Aye Captain. There's not many who sport a gold hook – at least not at this end of the galaxy," he chuckled.

Aurora laughed which seemed to signal the patrons that it was O.K. to return to whatever held their attention moments before and the noise returned to normal.

"What'll it be, ma'am?"

"Would you have any strawberries? I've been out three-months and haven't had anything fresh in forever!"

"Aye, ma'am – coming right up. If you don't mind my asking, what brings you here?"

Aurora jingled her bracelets, a nervous habit that she had been trying to stop. There wasn't room for any sign of weakness in a Captain.

"Any decent weapon's masters about? The 'Night Wind' has an opening," she said with a look that didn't invite further inquiry.

"Well," he said conspiratorially, "I've heard the Lopez twins are in port. I can reach out to them ... for a consideration."

Aurora had heard of them. Juan and Ahmal were reputed to be excellent weaponeers who could field strip a laser canon blindfolded – one disassembling, the other assembling as though they were a single entity.

Handing over a wad of bills, she said, "Go ahead – reach. I'll wait." She indicated a corner table. "I don't like surprises. What do they look like?"

"You can't miss them. Juan is six foot three, probably 260 pounds of solid muscle."

"And the other?"

"If you've seen Juan, you've seen Ahamal!"

He ducked just in time as the hook flashed above his head.


Notes:
An entry for the 3/1/10 round of "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge"  [13+]
Prompt: Write a story that includes the words: strawberry, hook, bracelet

Part 1 of 5.

Word Limit: 300
Word Count: 299

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please, as long as you're here, leave a comment. Criticisms, thoughts, reactions, yes – even words of encouragement or praise – are all equally welcome

Ken