I pant, trying to keep quiet as I sprint across the docks, Treya right on my heels. The opening of the automated cargo vessel starts to wane, air hissing through the doors as we rush towards it. I grit my teeth, every step sending bursts of needles up my legs, pushing myself harder. There’s only thirty meters left, twenty, ten—
Grunting as I leap between the closing doors, I maneuver around to help Treya, who pulls her feet through just as the hatch shuts with a thud. We stay propped up on the walls for a moment to catch our breaths, the adrenaline rush still going strong through my veins.
"Liar," Treya breathes out, her tone wry, "You said this thing wouldn't be here for 'nother ten minutes." Her golden eyes are teasing, but there's a certain edge to her words, considering she'd been reluctant about this plan. A slight tremor runs through the ship as it lifts off.
"Apologies, General," I say, getting to my feet and giving her a slight bow. Deep enough to be respectful without indicating that she's higher in rank. Treya rolls her eyes.
"Now, this is somethin'," she jokes, "a High Prince of Zhaia bowin' to a mere General. 'm honored." We walk through the vessel, tense and alert. There shouldn't be anyone here, as this ship is meant for an automatic voyage to export goods to System Aila, but paranoia creeps up my spine anyway. Boxes upon boxes are stacked together, on the floors, lining the hallways, everywhere. We finally relax when we get to the main control room. I settle into one of two seats posted at the front of the room, my heart thudding in my ears, and watch as the numerous screens expand around the width of the vessel. Treya plops down in the second one, watching me as I pull up the navigation controls. "Will you be able to—"
"I should be," I cut her off, beads of sweat rolling down my forehead. "Don't worry, I'll get us out of here." My mind is still foggy from a restless night of anxiety as I punch in the authorizations and identifications needed. A tense moment passes as the screen loads after I confirm the coordinates. Approved, the screen flashes, and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "Good gods, it worked. We're headed to Xhong."
"Awesome." Treya relaxes, her antennae curling in relief. "They know we're comin', right?"
"Yes. I sent a message to that Tucchan official they told me to contact."
"Good." She leans back in her seat, crossing her feet on the screens. "So how long do you think we have before your dear mother realizes we're gone?"
"For me? A couple hours if we're lucky. For you? Maybe a day." I scratch my chin, flicking my ears back. "The Queen likes to keep track of her subjects." The adrenaline starts to wear off, and everything feels heavy all of a sudden. "We have ten hours until we arrive, you should get some sleep."
"Can't. You should, though, you look like shit. " Treya waves her hand at me, pulling out her phone. "Have a nice nap or meditation or whatever you call it."
"I don't look that bad, and it's not a nap." I mumble indignantly. "Tell me if anything goes wrong, I'm gonna go look for a sightscreen."
"There should be one over in the plant habitats."
"Thanks, Trey." I mentally map the ship. I'm walking out of the control room now, which means I need to turn right somewhere. Maybe it's—The strong smell of chamomile wafts into my nose. Found it. Just like Treya said, there's a large, domed sightscreen, millions of stars dotting the vast expanse of black. On the right side, I see the edge of a galaxy, the red swirling into wisps of bright blue. The plants calm me as I walk past rows upon rows of them, settling myself right in front of the sightscreen. I cross my legs, letting my eyes drift as my mind mixes with the magnitude of mesmerizing stars.
ns 172.70.178.196da2