The new day dawned on a tired Blackjack and Gnuto. Both were in their thoughts as they ate breakfast with the others.

“We’ll go to the bank first and then back to the ship. Campo, if you and Angelo would be so kind as to pick up Gus for us?”

“Sure thing, Blackjack. We’d be happy to do that,” answered Campo.

“We’ll need full protection at the bank. I’m not sure what Gus had left for Gnuto but I don’t want to take any chances. That other crew may be around. Full armor again, I think,” Blackjack told them.

They got ready and hailed two autocabs. Blackjack and Gnuto were the last ones out after they arrived and the others spread out. The critical time would be when they exited the building. Barry accompanied them inside. He showed the manager his IBI ID and they were escorted to the vault area. Gnuto’s head was swiveling around as he looked at the main lobby’s marble and gold toned finishings.

Blackjack guided Gnuto to the vault area and entered with the other two. The party reached box 2210, the manager placed his thumb on the reader and directed Gnuto to do the same. The door opened and the box was drawn out. The manager placed the box on the table and withdrew from the vault.

Gnuto reached for the drawer and slowly lifted the lid. He gazed inside, reaching for an envelope that was visible. Gnuto turned over the envelope and noticed a wax seal. He handed it to Blackjack. There was a silver ring with some sort of design on its face that was revealed when he retrieved up the envelope. Gnuto picked it up and looked at the ring, turning it around. He wrinkled his brow as he gave the ring over to Blackjack to look at. Blackjack and Barry exchanged worried glances as they looked at the design.

Blackjack laid a hand on Gnuto’s shoulder, “We had better get these back to safety. Keep your eyes roving around Gnuto as we taught you. When we leave here, you will be in the middle of all of us.”

Gnuto nodded as they gathered together and moved to the vault door. Blackjack nodded at Finn standing near the door with the guard. Finn let the team outside know they were getting ready to exit. Donni and Josef scanned the buildings around the entrance as the auocabs pulled up to the door.

Finn went to open the door to the bank for Blackjack and Gnuto as a shot rung out. Blackjack forced Gnuto down to the floor as Donni and Josef returned fire. The people in the bank also scattered. The guard drew his weapon and was eyeing the three suspiciously.

“Everyone remain calm!” exclaimed Blackjack in his parade ground voice. “You, back away from the door,” he directed the guard.

Donni and Josef signaled Blackjack to advance as they opened the door. Finn exited the door to provide greater support. He opened the doors to the autocabs and surveyed the street. He gave the sign to Blackjack who grabbed Gnuto and made for the first cab. Another shot rang out hitting Gnuto in the back as he turned to enter the cab. Blackjack grabbed the limp Gnuto, dragging him into the cab.

Donni responded by returning the shot, scoring a hit. Finn tumbled into the cab and it took off towards the spaceport. The others piled into the second cab.

“How’s he doing Blackjack?” asked Finn.

“He’s going to be sore. Campo’s going to have to massage him,” replied Blackjack grinning as Gnuto groaned.

“OWW! Oh, God! I got shot!” yelled Gnuto in between moans.

“You’ll live little buddy. Now you see why I insisted on armor?” replied Blackjack.

“You’re lucky they went for your body instead of your head, Gnutp, or you wouldn’t be here now,” added Finn.

Blackjack was wondering what could be in the sealed document. He was also anxious to view the datachip he palmed from inside the deposit box. He suspected that life for the crew was going to become a lot more hazardous as he helped Gnuto sit up.