He sat, oblivious to the noise of the crowd around him and his mind raced through what challenges he may face in the upcoming weeks.  Having recently joined one of the powerful families on the North side of Chicago, Badger@ had been both ecstatic and terrified when he had been called into Admiral@’s office.  Badger@ had completed a few jobs for one of the local heavies to earn a little extra coin, but never expected it would lead to a life changing meeting with the leader of the Rebel Alliance.

Just as he started to daydream about a make-believe heist of an Art Gallery, a sharp “CRACK” instantly brought him back to reality.  Having heard the sound many times in the past, he instantly knew what had occurred.  Instinctually jumping up, he quickly scanned the area for his target.  With well trained eyes, he picked out his target and felt a rush of adrenaline when he could see it was headed his direction.

Pushing his way through the crowd, he would not be denied his prize.  Positioning himself directly in the path of his target, he only had time for a single breath before his hands shot up and prepared for the impact.  As the target hit his hands, he instantly felt a stinging sensation along with a jolt run down through his arms from the blow but had been able to make the catch.  With a smile across his face, he looked down to see a gleaming white baseball in his hands.  Glancing out on the field, he saw his favorite Chicago Cub player, Hack Wilson, trotting around the bases as he had done the previous years when he set the Home Run records.

In a rush, the sounds of the crowd around him filled his ears and he was acutely aware of being the center of attention in the stands.  Glancing down, he saw a young boy, tears in his eyes, standing just below where Badger@ had caught the ball, disappointed that he had not been the one to get the trophy.  Smiling at the boy, Badger@ handed him the ball before tussling his hair.  The boys smile was more than enough of a reward as he walked back to his seat in the stands.

Life was good.  He had a little coin in his pocket, had to opportunity to see his “Cubs” play on a beautiful sunny day, and lastly, he now was part of a reputable family that would provide endless opportunities.