When I was younger I played a lot of role-playing games and my favorite was Shadowrun. This is the first (and only) chapter of a Shadowrun story I started writing years ago.
"Well, this was a great idea" Hunter thought to himself, ducking behind a dumpster for cover. Bullets struck the metal barricade, ricocheting off. Taking a chance, Hunter edged out and fired his Colt Manhunter. He didn't expect to hit anything, but it was better than doing nothing.
His day just wasn't going well. He had been contacted be his Johnson about a simple recovery run and, after negotiating the price, accepted. A gang called the Death Dealers had intercepted a courier carrying some very valuable data and had taken possession of it. Its previous owner wanted it back. Easy money...
A bullet flying past his head pulled Hunter out of his thoughts. Ducking back into cover, he activated his wrist phone. A throaty voice, smooth as silk itself, answered.
"Hello Hunter, how goes the day?"
"Same as usual, Andrea." Hunter replied, firing off another shot around the dumpster. Andrea laughed, her voice as silky as ever. As he often had before, Hunter wondered if that was her natural voice or it she modified it.
"That bad. Well, I suppose you need some help?" Andrea asked, though she already knew the answer.
"It would be nice." He said, firing a few more shots and then sliding a fresh clip into his Colt. He heard the gang members at the mouth of the alley, yelling to each other. Give them credit, they're smarter than the average gang members.
"I'm on the way. Just keep talking."
No problem." Hunter said, wondering if Andrea realized that he'd talk to her as much as possible, whether bullets were flying around him or not. He had never met this young woman to whom he often entrusts his life. She was the best sniper he knew, but he hadn't been lucky enough to ever meet her.
The gang members were still firing, keeping him pinned behind the dumpster. Since help was on the way, Hunter only fired shots back once in a while, so they would keep focused on him. He knew Andrea would be in position behind them shortly. As if to confirm this, his phone beeped.
"I've got them. Stay in cover and I'll deal with them." Andrea's voice filled his ear.
"Alright. They're all yours." Firing off one last shot, Hunter ducked back behind the dumpster as far as he could. Seconds later, he heard one of the gang members groan and then hit the ground, shortly followed by the other one.
"All clear, Hunter." Andrea announced.
"Thanks Andrea, that's another one I owe you." Hunter replied, knowing very well that he'd be called on soon to repay her. He usually ended up doing small jobs for her in payment for having his butt saved.
Standing up, Hunter strolled out of the alley and down the sidewalk, pausing to look around, hoping for a glimpse of his personal savior. Once again, he didn't see anyone. Sighing, he turned back to the gang members and, quickly searching them, found the optical chip he had been sent to retrieve.
After a quick call to Mr. Johnson, Hunter got in his car and took off. Glancing at his watch, he realized it was only 11:30 am. What would the rest of the day hold in store for him, he wondered as he drove home. Hopefully, it couldn't get any worse..."