Calhoon is one of two protagonists of the story "Gruesome Endings, New Beginnings."
Reading this article may spoil some elements of the story. Read at your own risk.
Calhoon is a GearHeart Wayship pilot and engineer working in ship scavenging under his Federation of Free Planets overseer, Rufus. Born to a family of junkyard workers on a Federation Dump Field, Calhoon knew his way around ships and mechanical parts since he was strong enough hold a wrench.
Now, he is alone in the universe with nothing but his tools and the FWV Small Fry. He currently runs jobs scouting out new wrecks for potential money to be made. The pay is horrid, the food is gross, and the solitude is torture.
His latest assignment from Rufus brings him to the SWV Resolute Roar, a goldmine of a find that ticks all those 'Too Good to be True' boxes. But with his livelihood on the line, Calhoon can't afford to be picky.
Calhoon yearns to see the universe at large, and especially to step foot on the hubworlds. With many of his recent years spent alone in space, solid earth sounds like a small slice of heaven.
Swiping his cup from the ship dash, he took the short jaunt from the bridge into the 'captain’s quarters.' The small room was dominated by a worn-in bed that certainly didn't look captain-like. The suggestive holograms of half-nude Sazashi, empty packets of stim cigs, and crumpled bedsheets didn't add to his image as a 'captain' either.
"Never ends." Calhoon ignored the mess and waved at his sink to initiate his mirror hologram. Deep emerald green eyes stared back at him. The human looked as much a mess as his quarters. At least he could still see the tell-tale Gearheart geometric lines on his light skin, even through the smudgy mess of oils he had been working with trying to keep the engine running smooth. He settled his unruly hair in place with his fingers, toying with the mess of silver locks.
- An Excerpt from Gruesome Gruesome Endings, New Beginnings
Silvery hair
Blade
Calhoon carries a Shrieker blade.
I stopped at the spoiler warning, but between the profile image and the opening paragraphs I was HOOKED. Great work!
Thank you so much! Glad you are saving the story for later!