Free The Outlaw (Phantom Server: Book #2) by Andrei Livadny Page A

group, all other group members will receive a unique set of gear (depending on their character class)
    Fine for failure or quest rejection: your relationship with Ingmud will be ruined irrestorably.
     
    It looked like he was one of the key figures on this station. I wondered why the quest message hadn't mentioned the artifact. Or could Kathryn already have had it?
    I absolutely had to accept the quest, no doubt about that. Gaming balance wasn't something I could ignore. If I received this quest, it meant it was doable for someone of my level.
    Also, I had to remember that both Mnemotechnics and Alien Technologies were the key to restoring the Founder's frigate.
    I focused on Accept , activating it. Still, the quest left a lot of unanswered questions. What kind of help had Ingmud meant? How was I supposed to safely clear the planet's orbital defenses? Was my char's level up to tackling that particular region?
    At least Ingmud had cheered up. He must have already received the message informing him of my decision. “So, Zander. I'm going to send you a list of all available upgrades.”
    I waved his offer away. “Don't need it.”
    “Why? What's up?”
    The decision flashed through my mind instinctively, at gut level, and I wasn't going to reconsider. “I want to ask you about something,” I kept pushing my luck.
    “Okay,” now it was his turn to look puzzled. “Tell me.”
    “You were right saying that I have two of the Founders' neuronets implanted. I would like you to remove one of them without damaging it. Think you can do it? Here's its icon,” I forwarded him the pictogram I’d noticed during the test activation.
    He didn't say anything for a long time. Finally he nodded. “It won't be easy but I think I know how to do it. Would you like to get rid of it completely or do you want me to throw in a handful of nanites and form an external connection module?”
    I had to think quickly. “That would be good.”
    He scratched his head. “You sure you're up to the risk?”
    “I know I am. Just do it. No, wait. One more thing. My friends will be looking for me.”
    “You mean the Haash?”
    “He too. His name is Charon. I know he'll come and he won't be alone. Tell him I'm gone to complete your quest and that I'll be back in a few days.”
    “Will do,” Ingmud nodded. “But I'm not going to tell him anything about Darg.”
    “Deal. Now you can do it.”
    “Sit down,” he removed his jacket, exposing his mangled torso. “And close your eyes,” he added with a sinister glint.
    “I'm not easily scared.”
    “As you wish.”
    I sat in the chair and clenched my teeth. The next moment, pain flooded over me. I tried to resist it and remain lucid — in vain.
    The last thing I remembered was a message on Ingmud's holographic monitor,
     
    Hyperspace transporter activated. The object will be teleported when ready. The target within the station's transmitters' range. Warning! The receiving equipment is not compatible with the transmitter. Would you like to proceed anyway?
     
    My tortured awareness crumbled under the pressure. Darkness swallowed me, merciful.
     
    * * *
     
    I was breathing.
    The air was clear but so cold it brought me out of my stupor. My gear was gone. All I was wearing was a light onboard suit.
    My head swam; my vision blurred. I was weak and completely disoriented. I forced my head up and bumped my forehead on a translucent barrier.
    Where was I? What had happened to Ingmud?
    I heard the sharp hissing of hydraulics. My eyes closed weakly. Messages flashed against the backdrop of my shut eyelids,
     
    You have lost one of your neuronet implants.
    You have a new cyber module installed. Type: Connector.
    You have one unread message. Would you like to open it?
     
    I forced my eyes to click Yes.
     
    Hi Zander,
    You've been out for quite a while which is why I decided to act at my own discretion. While removing the implant, I came across some very interesting information. I'll keep it as my