Chance Encounter

“Rick Summers,” the man brushed by a few of the men.

“I’ve been dying to meet you.” He grinned.

“I get that a lot.” Rick chuckled nervously.

The man laughed.

“And he has a good sense of humor!”

The man then towered over Maru.

“I’m afraid you can’t joke your way out of this one, however.”

Rick grinned.

“You want to bet?”

The man laughed once more.

“You’re quite amusing; it’s a shame I was sent to do this.”

Rick looked around cautiously as he tightened his grip on Maru.

“Hand her over.” The man demanded.

Rick laughed. He just kept laughing. The man looked shocked.

“Woah, hey now, what’s so funny about what I just said?” He asked cautiously.

“It’s just not my style to fight in front of a kid, you know?” Rick chuckled.

The man smirked.

“Well, who said you had to fight?” He asked.

“Just hand her over.”

Rick knew he was at a disadvantage. The man could easily order his men to attack, and he was outnumbered.

“What would you gain from it?” Rick questioned.

The man frowned.

“What do you mean, what would I gain from what?”

Rick sighed.

“What would you gain from taking her?” He asked.

The man was baffled by the question.

“Well, nothing. I'm afraid it’s just my orders.”

Rick smiled smugly.

“Are you happy about working for such a job?”

The man opened his mouth to retort but shut it quickly.

“I got tired of seeing these people treated as lesser beings than us. It made me sick.” Rick looked down at Maru.

“They deserve to live a hopeful life, just like us.” He smiled as he patted her head.

“Rick...” Maru teared up.

The man scratched his head.

“Mr. Huser, sir,” one of the men interrupted.

“What’s up?” The man replied.

“What are we-”

The man then smiled.

“Retreat.”

The men went into an uproar of shock.

“Boss, are you sure!?” One man cried.

“Let them pass now.” The man demanded.

The men carefully stepped aside.

Rick stared in awe.

“What are you staring for?” He asked.

“I said you could go.” The man laughed.

“I hope you’re not looking for a thank you or anything,” Rick began as he picked up Maru.

Rick then covered Maru’s ears quickly.

“Bastard.” He grinned.

The man then let out a hardy laugh.

"None taken.” He said as he turned away.

“Come on, boys.” He shouted.

Rick smiled.

Maru looked up at him.

“Rick?” She squeaked.

“Yeah, kiddo?” Rick quickly turned his attention to her.

“Are we going home now?” She asked.

Rick chuckled.

“Yep!” He smiled as he held her and walked away.

*

“Mr. Huser?” A man questioned.

“What are you doing with your stuff?”

The man turned.

“Isn’t it obvious?” He chuckled.

“I’ve had enough of this hell hole, time to get out of here.”

He then smirked.

“Also, Clark,” he began.

“I’ve told you, just call me Chris.”