Saturite City
Western Basin, Labrea
Labrea System, Irece Prefecture
Draconis Combine
First Quarter, 3066

Under the rough illumination of cheap light fixtures, two figures sat at the small table in the corner of the room. The larger of the two men, seated against the back wall of the bar, wore a tight black jacket and dark blue overalls. He also sported an olive-drab hat over his balding head. A middle-aged individual in his late 60s, the man looked down at the dish in front of him in dissatisfaction. He slowly shifted his deep gaze from the food to the man on the other side of the table.

The smaller man sat across the table from the older man, wearing a bright smile across his young face. His body was concealed by an overbearing tan winter coat, with over-sized overalls similar to the larger man’s. He glanced down to his own food, then looked back at the older man once more. The smaller man’s smile was unchanged.

“And what are you grinning about?” questioned the older man. He grimaced once more, but this time his face lost all of its previous seriousness. He slowly began to laugh.

“Grandpa, I told you not to order the lasagna. I knew it was the one you complained about last time!” Navin said. He shook his head. “You could’ve believed me, ya know?” He waited for a response from his grandfather, Harry Higgins.

“Navin, I know I should have listened to you. I’ll eat it again and be happy with it.” Harry smiled. “But next time, I’ll take your word for it.” His smile faded as he looked back at his plate in disbelief.

The Brush with Death wasn’t busy tonight. Except for a few locals scattered across the field of tables, the little bar was empty. The quiet shop provided Navin and Harry with a relaxed setting. Since the two had moved to Labrea, they had frequented it to take advantage of its unique atmosphere. Despite his worries for the owner’s financial shortcomings, Navin had always hoped the bar would remain quiet and unpopular.

“So. What will tonight’s topic be, Grandpa?” Navin was always looking forward to his grandfather’s stories. Harry Higgins had been through so much as a Mechwarrior. After his recent retirement four years ago, Harry had still managed to lead an exciting life. Navin’s eyes were full of interest as he awaited his grandfather’s reply.

“Well, let’s see. I was going to mention something that happened to me when I was younger. However you ought to know that my old unit still knows some secrets that cannot be shared.” Harry paused, weighing his grandson’s comprehension with a moment of observation.

“Even now? After all this time?” Navin asked. The young man’s blank face was full of surprise.