Remember when you invade the Space Pirate Homeworld and escort the demolitions marines? After the battles, one of them, their leader, tells you that they owe you one. For some reason, I had this idea nagging at me, and I couldn't let it slip away, so I began writing. And boy, I tell you, I've been writing this one far faster than any of my other stories. It'll probably be completely finished in a month, which is much speedier than anything I've ever done.

Dedicated to God Almighty, and to my beloved uncle, who recently passed away from cancer. I miss you, but I know I'll see you again. :-)

Disclaimer: Anything recognizable, including the epic person of Samus Aran, belongs to Nintendo, sadly. Oh, the things I would do if I owned her! :D However, her personality in this fanfic belongs to me; I deliberately made her seem more 'Human' in this one than she's ever been in the official games. Captain Aaron Zerir and EOD/Demolitions Squad Flash belong solely to ME! Never use them without my permission!

One

One week after Phaaze was destroyed, the Federation fleet had regrouped around Planet Earth, and extensive repairs were being done to most of the ships. I had been given quarters on the flagship known as the G.F.S. Olympus, and with the destruction of Metroid Prime, I had been cleansed of all Phazon corruption. It was safe to say that I was glad that the Space Pirates were on the run, because I looked forward to resting and recovering for the next month.

But he came unexpectedly. Wearing military fatigues and sporting a bandage on his upper arm, he blocked my path, staring up at me solemnly. "When are you going to call in my debt, Miss Aran?"

I was so startled by his abrupt, stern question that I took a step back. "Excuse me?"

He folded his arms across his chest, frowning. "The debt that I owe you. When are you calling it in?"

"What debt?" I demanded, mystified.

He gave me an annoying, cocky smirk. "My debt. You'd better call it in soon; I don't have forever."

With that, he spun on his heel and strode away, leaving me standing in the hallway, completely baffled. Who was that man? What on Earth was he talking about? Debt?

But it was too late; he was already gone.

A/N: Ah, he is mysterious. ;-) Annoy me once, shame on you; annoy me twice, shame on me; annoy me thrice, someone dies. :P Don't worry, Samus doesn't kill anyone.