A small pulse of electricity ran from the trigger of Kirrik's solar pistol through the internal circuitry and into the ball of a firing chamber held in the center of the weapon. The miniature sun within absorbed it hungrily and spun into a whirlwind of flame. Increased chamber pressure compressed and shot the flame forward into a concentrated orange blast. The whole process took less than a millisecond.
*****
On the opposite end of the pistol, Zaius had already begun summoning his Kanushin into his gauntleted hand. From the moment the man started talking, Zaius knew he had to move. The nerves of his body served as circuitry of its own as pulsing ripples of Kanutic energy blazed downward and coalesced into a singular green blast. It was absorbed into the gauntlet, compressed into a force three times greater and shot back out with enough pressure to move Zaius slightly to the left. Two perfectly-timed milliseconds.
The solar bullet seared across Zaius' stomach, cauterizing the wound as it went. It continued through his jacket, leaving a burning hole, and dinging into the metal wall behind him before dissipating into a large scorch mark.
"Man, I like this jacket," Zaius groaned as he threw his left fist toward the man's jaw. His blonde ponytail whipped as he stepped backward.
'This isn't good,' Zaius thought as he swung again. 'This man's obviously a Hunter.'
The Hunter smashed his pistol arm up into Zaius' elbow to knock the punch away and sent a booted kick into Zaius' ribs. The force propelled him backwards into the ground. He spun and tumbled, dazed as the Hunter followed up with a punch of his own.
*****
Kirrik pulled back for another but the Rogue dropped and swept his leg. The two traded blows evenly, the Rogue's speed matching Kirrik's force as they pressed further into the alleyway. Kirrik moved back, aimed his pistol and fired four shots. The Rogue weaved between the bullets and used the momentum to launch over Kirrik, planting a solid kick in his back. Kirrik grunted from the sudden hit as his prey launched forward. He took off toward Qivera's main square.
"You're not going anywhere, killer!" Kirrik yelled, shooting a red energy chain from his hand. It wrapped around the Rogue's waist with a sizzle.
'He's just a kid but he's stupid and dangerous as hell,' Kirrik thought.
Kirrik yanked hard with his right hand and pulled him back into the metal wall with a hollow thud. Kirrik looped the chain around his arm, dragging the Rogue closer with each rotation. Kirrik noted the panic on his face as the chain compressed his ribcage.
"I didn't kill Gen," He shouted at Kirrik. "He was like a father to me. He took me in!"
Kirrik scoffed and whipped the chain down, forcing Gen's killer into the ground. The kid was really starting to grate on his nerves. Nothing but lies flowed out of his mouth.
"I haven't seen or heard of you once," Kirrik argued. "So how do I know you're telling the truth?"
*****
"I don't know who the hell you are either!" Zaius retorted. The situation was only getting worse. He thought the Hunter might listen, especially if he mentioned Gen, but it only seemed to make him angrier. His thoughts went to Sky and Diah, wondering if they were okay. He had to come up with a new plan and gain some distance. He had to get back to them.
Zaius relaxed his body, letting the Hunter drag him further. He took the moment to focus and channeled his Kanushin into both arms. The gauntlets clicked and whirred as the energy stored.
Zaius rolled as the Hunter yanked a final time. The gauntlets shot out a pulse of energy, this time aimed at the metal wall next to them. It hit with a resounding clang, like a bell hit by a mallet, followed by the screech of tearing metal. The Hunter grabbed his ears and shouted in pain as the sounds crashed against his eardrums. The chain dissolved as he stepped back. Zaius wasted no time and jumped through the hole left from the explosion.
Large silver pipes ran every way across the building's orange-lit interior, hot to the touch from whatever fluid ran through them. Steam hissed and blasted into the air in large white puffs. Zaius wiggled between a wall of pipes and inched through.
*****
Kirrik had had enough. He shook his head rapidly to regain his impaired senses. The sound of the blast had caused his eardrums to ring and pop.
He stumbled forward, thrown off balance by the change in pressure, and climbed through the hole after Gen's killer. He held his pistol up, finger on the trigger, and slowly made his way around. Steam exploded from random pipes as he inched closer into the interior.
"That was pretty smart, busting up my hearing like that," Kirrik called out as he maneuvered through the room. "You obviously learned how to do that at some point, probably from running so much if our fight is anything to go off of. Are you a runner, killer?"
Kirrik's comment was met with only whistles and hiss.
"You know how to keep your mouth shut too," He continued. "This obviously isn't the first time you've found yourself in trouble. I just don't think you know how much trouble you're really in. I'll go ahead and tell you."
Kirrik took his pistol and fired a few shots into the pipes around them. They exploded and spewed a mix of scalding hot steam and boiling brown water. The water poured onto the ground with a sizzle and spread across the floor.
"My name," Kirrik announced, "is Kirrik Ishlan. I knew Gen for a very long time, so much that you could even consider us brothers. And do you know what happens when you kill a man's brother?"
*****
Zaius stopped moving when he heard Kirrik's shuffled steps nearby. He took a quiet breath and held it. The footsteps receded, then stopped completely. Zaius paused. Steam whistled from the blasted pipes above him and flared out in endless white puffs.
The water from the pipes leaked down and pooled at Zaius' feet. The boiling sensation pierced through his shoes and began to scorch his skin. Zaius held back the pain through gritted teeth and slowly pulled himself further up the pipeline. He watched as Kirrik walked by and blasted more pipes.
"You kill them in return!" Kirrik exclaimed. Zaius could tell he had run his assailant's patience thin. He reached in the deepest recesses of his mind to try and remember any mention of a Kirrik Ishlan, but nothing came to mind.
Kirrik summoned his Kanushin once more, smashing the chain against the outer edges of the pipes. A medley of clangs erupted across the room. The sound grew louder with every swipe of Kirrik's chain, mounting to the point that neither one could stand to hear it any more. Zaius yelled in pain and punched the wall of pipes in front of him, bursting them apart and spraying hot water toward Kirrik. The Hunter sidestepped, whipping his chain out and around Zaius' arm. Zaius had calculated for this, dropping his entire weight down and pulling Kirrik into the pipes. Kirrik hit them with a ringing thunk and let go of his chain.
Zaius knew he had the choice of fighting Kirrik or trying to talk him down. The first seemed like an impossible task. He was doing well to hold his own, but Kirrik came across as someone with a lot of experience. Zaius also had to wonder how many people Kirrik had with him. The second was an even more impossible task, but if he truly was one of Gen's friends, there was a small glint of hope.
Zaius squeezed through the wall of pipes and popped out in front of the stunned Kirrik, readying another punch. He hesitated, made his choice and reached into his jacket pocket instead. He knew he only had one chance at peace and hoped it worked.
*****
Kirrik turned and furiously punched the Rogue across the jaw. He couldn't believe that the kid had hesitated, but it was going to cost him. There was no mercy from here. Water sprinkled the two as the pressure in the remaining pipes around them continued to build. The heat of the droplets hurt, but Kirrik was undeterred from finishing the job.
He moved toward his prey, crouching down and punching him again. The Rogue tried to block, but that only infuriated Kirrik more. He had already lost what little patience he had. His soaked hair had loosened from his ponytail and fallen into a shaggy mess. The orange hue of the room bounced off the droplets that continued to rain down over them.
"Fight back!" Kirrik said in frustration as he continued to attack. "Don't you dare make this easy for me."
The Rogue glared at Kirrik, the left side of his face swollen, and kicked him back with force. He stood shakily and reached into his jacket once more as Kirrik charged him again.
"There's nothing easy about this," He coughed out as he opened his palm.
Kirrik stopped.
A tiny turquoise gem, no bigger than a marble, rested in the center of the Rogue's hand. It had a slight glint and a rounded edge, but was otherwise unremarkable. Kirrik understood its significance immediately. To a random thief or killer, the gem wouldn't hold any importance or value. Kirrik, on the other hand, knew that it was a symbol of Gen's trust - something that he would only give to those he considered his closest family. He reached inside his own pocket and held up a similar gem. The red color and yellow flecks that adorned it danced like licks of flames in the light.
The two let out hefty sighs. Kirrik placed the gem back and extended his hand out.
"What's your name, kid?" Kirrik asked.
The Rogue stared at Kirrik's hand for a long moment.
"Zaius Veer," He responded.
Zaius stood still, a wary expression on his face, then accepted the non-verbal offer of peace. Kirrik placed Zaius' arm around his shoulder and helped him back out toward the alleyway.
*****
Zaius collapsed in exhaustion against the wall. His breathing became heavy as the rest of his body tried to relax. Tense muscles fought to unwind. Kirrik moved over and sat down next to him, arms resting atop his knees.
"Sorry about the misunderstanding," Kirrik said to him in a quiet tone.
"I tried to tell you," Zaius said, shaking his head. "I wouldn't have hurt him."
Zaius was glad that he was able to break through to Kirrik. The man obviously cared for Gen and called him a brother, so Zaius understood how he felt. Still, Kirrik came across as deadly and temperamental. Definitely not the type of person Zaius wanted to fight again.
"I believe you now, but I was just angry," Kirrik said guiltily. "I needed to see Gen's death brought to justice. I needed it to make sense."
Zaius turned his head toward Kirrik but his gaze stayed aimed at the ground.
"Nothing on this station makes sense," He said. It was true. Moments ago, Kirrik wanted to kill him. Now they were sitting down next to each other like good friends after a spat.
"Honestly?" Kirrik responded, "It's not just Tovarro. Nothing makes sense anywhere these days."
Kirrik smacked his hands onto his knees and then stood. He turned to Zaius and offered a helping hand once again.
"Who did kill Gen then?" Kirrik asked.
"A Terric named Jix," Zaius answered. "One of Areshia's enforcers. And I killed him in return."
Zaius saw a look of reflection light up Kirrik's face. He looked down at Zaius, a glint of acknowledgement and familiarity in his eyes. Something about Kirrik's eyes seemed cold and haunted. Kirrik let out a small snicker.
"You remind me a lot of myself, kid," Kirrik said. He placed a hand on Zaius' shoulder. "Let's just make sure you end up on the right path."
Kirrik turned and started walking toward the main square, waving at Zaius to follow.
"Come on, let's go save your friends," Kirrik called behind him.
Zaius paused for a moment and tilted his head in confusion. He winced at the pain running through his body. Screams floated through the air from the central square. His mind snapped back to Diah and Sky.
"What do you mean?"
_________________________________________________________________________
The last thing Diah heard before going through the glass was the sound of Sky's voice.
Diah had followed Sky as she flitted through the crowds of Qivera Station, "ooh-ing" and "ah-ing" at every celebrity she could. She was a flash of blue, weaving between stores and crowds at a pace Diah couldn't keep up with. Eventually, Sky had made her way up and around a flight of stairs and into the Qivera's main observatory. It was peaceful unlike the chaotic square it overlooked, an ideal place to people-watch if little else. A small waterfall ran along the side of the observatory and into a pond below. The view from the all-glass wall was bustling yet beautiful.
"Next time, give us a fair warning before running off," Diah huffed, breathless from the chase.
"It's all so beautiful," Sky said as she twirled. "It's the exact opposite of the Underside. It's clean, bright, and feels like a special place to be. I never would have gotten here on my own."
Diah put her hands squarely on Sky's shoulders to stop her spin. Her grip tightened slightly and a sense of seriousness exuded from her.
"You can do a ton of great things, you know," Diah encouraged her. "You really have to start by believing in yourself, though."
Sky looked down and played with the ring on her finger.
"I don't know what to feel sometimes," She replied. "It's like a swirl of sorrow, fear and self-pity is just eating away at me. I feel like I'm trapped in my own mind. Gen wanted me to be free, but what exactly does that mean? How do I know what freedom can be if I'm scared of what's outside?"
Diah listened intently and, in a sense, empathized with Sky's plight. The same longing for freedom had gotten her where she was, after all. The difference, however, was that Diah could return home to her embittered mother and a worried Gallard. Sky, as far as Diah knew, didn't have a parent to return to. Gen was gone, yet Sky refused to fully acknowledge the pain.
Before Diah could continue her speech, she was interrupted by the sound of clicking footsteps moving furiously toward their location. Both women turned at the same time to face a pixie-haired redhead running at them in fierce determination.
She spun into the air and swung her leg out into a roundhouse kick, hitting Diah across the chest and through the glass behind her. It shattered instantly, shards shooting outward as she fell toward the ground. Screams erupted from the crowds below as glass rained down around them.
*****
"Diah!" Sky cried out as her friend went flying out of the window. The mysterious woman had appeared out of nowhere and struck even faster. Sky barely had time to process she was there, let alone that she had taken Diah out in one swift move.
Sky swung her arm out at the Redhead in a state of panic, just wanting to have control over something. The woman grabbed Sky's outstretched arm and twisted it back, yanking her down into a kneel on the cold marble flooring. She delivered a swift knee between Sky's shoulder blades and sent her tumbling across the floor. Within the next few seconds, she had stepped forward and pulled her pistol out of the holster on her side.
"I'll be honest, I expected a lot more of a fight," the Redhead said disappointedly. "Especially since you had the nerve to wear that ring."
Sky looked up at the Redhead's frosted glare with a fearful expression. Her heart spasmed in her chest. Everything moved so quickly that she couldn't think of a proper response. The woman didn't bother waiting for one. Instead, she went to pull the trigger.
A purple dagger flew into the side of the pistol and knocked it out of her hand. As she turned to find the dagger's owner, Sky caught a glimpse of Diah moving rapidly between the furniture. Diah jumped out and delivered a devastating tackle. The Redhead braced but the force still pushed her away from Sky with a high-pitched screech.
*****
Despite the tackle not working as well as she hoped, Diah flowed into her next attack. Her hands moved with intense precision as she chopped the Redhead in the neck and followed with a kick to the left flank. Diah summoned three spikes between the fingers of each hand and threw them at her in a wide pattern. She couldn't let up. The Redhead had already proven herself incredibly dangerous.
As if on cue, she dropped down into a push-up position to dodge Diah's attack and launched herself back up. Her movement was eerily graceful and timing perfect. She eyed her pistol across the floor and ran into a slide to retrieve it. Diah saw her glance and threw more spikes, impaling the marble floor and impeding her motion.
*****
Imi was done playing games with children. Despite the Chyl's rapid attacks, she had managed to retain her focus and rolled away from the spikes as they continued to hit the floor. Time slowed as she observed the still-recovering Uvari on one end of the room and the very angry Chyl on the other in front of her. Imi calculated a quick plan and pushed off with her right foot, running towards the Uvari and weaving between furniture. At the last possible moment, Imi shifted her weight and spun behind her.
Imi grabbed the Uvari from the back and tossed her towards her hard-headed friend. The Chyl instantly stopped her barrage of spikes to avoid hitting her partner and braced for an impact instead. Imi used the distraction to close the gap and deliver a tackle of her own. Every move was quick, calculated and efficient. There was no room for error, nor the need to drag things out as Kirrik liked to do. As her two targets smashed together with a hard thud, Imi connected with them from behind.
*****
The three women flew out of the window and down into the pool below. Water splashed across the marble of Qivera's main square. Dazed, Sky tried to pull herself out before being grabbed by the leg and yanked back in by the Redhead. Sky struggled as she held her under, lungs burning as they filled with water. She thrashed and hit the woman's arms, but her unnatural strength continued to hold.
She watched through watery vision as Diah rose out of the pool and jumped on Imi's back, summoning a dagger and holding it against her throat. The woman threw her head back into Diah's in response.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily," Sky heard Diah yell.
Water muffled the sounds of the scuffle. The last of the air in her body left with a gurgle and a couple of bubbles. The woman's hands gripped tighter around Sky's throat. Her lungs felt like they were about to burst.
Sky's vision started to tunnel and blacken as she saw Diah's blurred outline press the dagger harder against their assailant's throat.
"Let her go, now!"
Sky's eyes closed and she felt a heavy tug on her mind.
*****
Diah pressed the dagger deeper against the Redhead's neck as panic for Sky's condition overwhelmed her. She weighed the choice of dealing a killing blow or waiting for the woman to yield. If she killed the woman now, she wasn't sure who else would follow or where she had even been sent from. Diah wanted answers, but she also wanted her friend to live.
"I told your friend I expected more of a fight," The Redhead said, struggling to get the words out without catching Diah's blade. "It looks like I got it. How long until she runs out of air, though?"
The humming of dozens of plasma rifles charging up quickly arose. Diah followed the sound and realized that a large squadron of TovaSec officers had arrived at the scene unnoticed. Barricades had been placed at the outer edges of the square, the elite of Qivera pressed against them rabidly to see the wild situation unfold.
'No better than animals on display,' Diah thought. There was no chance of escaping Tovarro now. Diah knew her, Zaius and Sky would most likely be brought in, imprisoned and eventually end up back in Areshia's hands. There was also the off-chance they wouldn't even make it that far and just be spaced entirely. She wondered how many TovaSec officers were already on Areshia's payroll.
"Dispel the weapons and step out of the pool," the leading officer commanded as he stepped forward. The yellow and black of his uniform stood out amongst the navy and red of his peers. The others had their weapons aimed, ready to fire at his command.
Diah let her dagger fade into particulate dust and dropped down into the water. The Redhead smiled wide and let go of Sky, arms raised above her head. Diah moved quickly and yanked Sky out of the pool, hitting her repeatedly on the back. Sky gurgled and coughed up some of the water in her lungs, gasping for air as she regained consciousness.
"There's been a misunderstanding, officer," the Redhead said cordially. "My name is Imi li. My partner and I are here on official business. Class H. I can show my license if you allow."
The lead officer shook his head.
"There's no need for business to be done in Qivera Station. Too many high values that could have been hurt. Step forward and we'll sort this situation out at TovaSec HQ."
Diah looked up to see Imi turn her head in frustration, her plastered smile betrayed by her demeanor.
"Look," Imi responded, no longer hiding her ire. "I'll come with you after I conduct my business. I'll explain and even pay for the damage too."
The officers moved in closer and Diah could tell he was ready for a fight. She shielded Sky as the latter continued to cough up water.
"If I may kindly step in," a country voice interjected from behind the officers. "I think I can resolve this situation peacefully."
"Took you long enough," Imi sighed as the officers let Zaius and a strange blonde man through.
Diah felt a sense of relief upon seeing Zaius, followed by confusion at the bruising that covered his body. Sky weakly called out to him from under Diah's arms. He waved to them and made a shushing motion with his finger. Diah exchanged an inquisitive glance with Sky then watched the situation unfold.
The man sauntered up to the lead officer and handed him a bright orange card. Its surface was smooth and blank, no etching or words to be seen. The officer ran it across a pad on his side and waited a moment. Diah heard the light crackle of voices in his earpiece.
"You get thirty seconds to explain," He finally told the blonde man. He handed the card back.
"More than enough," The man said. "Long story short, these three were present at the incident in the Stock Docks. My partner and I have reason to believe they know who was behind it, and have been commissioned by a private party to take them in."
"Are you willing to share any information you retrieve from these witnesses?" The officer asked with a skeptical glare.
"One-hundred percent."
The officer raised his hand into the air and closed it into a fist. The rest of his squadron lowered their weapons and moved out of the barricaded square in a single file line.
"You have eight minutes to get out of my level," the officer said. He swiveled around and followed his squadron out.
The man motioned for Imi to come closer. Nothing about the situation sat right with Diah, but she continued to watch. She understood that as frustrating as it was, one wrong move born out of anger or spite could cause the situation to escalate immensely. Now was the time to hold her tongue. She gritted her teeth instead.
"Job's done, Imi. Code T.T.F. We need to get moving," the man said.
"You'd better have a damn good explanation for this, Kirrik," Imi responded.
Imi stepped out of the pool and turned around. She reached out to help Diah and Sky. Diah felt Sky recoil a bit in her arms and slapped Imi's hand away in exchange. She gave Imi a venomous glare.
"I don't know what's going on, but you're not getting off that easy," Diah spewed at Imi. "You're lucky you caught us off-guard. I would've ended you in a fair fight."
"Maybe," Imi said with a carefree shrug. "Guess we'll never know."
Imi's response stoked the coals of Diah's anger. They had just fought for their lives. Sky was on the verge of dying. Now, they were just supposed to make up and be friends? Diah refused.
Zaius shuffled towards her and Sky with a look of concern.
"What does code T.T.F. stand for?" Zaius asked Kirrik as he took his jacket off and wrapped it around his friends. A hint of sadness welled in Diah as she noticed the hole burned cleanly through the back.
"Target to Friendly," Kirrik answered. He pointed at Diah and Sky. "I know you two don't quite trust us. I don't blame you, but Zaius and I can fill you in on the way to the ship."
"It's been a bit crazy," Zaius told them.
Diah looked into his eyes. The bruising on Zaius' face had spread and swollen, but his gaze still gave her a sense of reassurance. Confusion suddenly took over.
"Wait, what do you mean the ship?" Diah asked. "Do you genuinely think we want to go anywhere with you two?"
Kirrik threw his hands into the air.
"Like I said, I don't expect you to. I'll leave y'all to discuss, but we're getting out of here before TovaSec, or worse, comes back."
Diah noticed Imi had already folded her arms and began a walk toward the lifts. Kirrik caught up to her and the two started chatting. Diah waited for them to move out of earshot before turning her attention back to Zaius.
"I don't like this," She said bluntly.
"Can we really trust them?" Sky added, moving out from Diah's arms. She squeezed the bottom of her skirt to release the water it absorbed.
"They knew Gen," Zaius said to Sky before looking at Diah. "Plus they can get you home. I'll take whatever gets us out of here."
"She almost killed us, Zaius!" Diah exclaimed. She wanted to understand how he thought their situation made any ounce of sense. Sky continued to cough next to her.
"I get that. Kirrik almost did me in too," He explained. "They were Gen's best friends though. I promise you they won't hurt us again."
Diah huffed. She hated the idea of going off with the woman who just threw her out a window. There was no helping it, though. She decided that taking the high road was better in this instance. She gave Sky a brief side hug.
"I'll go along," Diah told Zaius. "But only because I trust you, not them."
*****
Kirrik stopped at the edge of the square and looked back at their new companions. They were an odd trio, but there was no doubting that they cared for each other. Bonds really did strengthen in strange situations. He noticed Imi had stopped but continued to look forward.
"They really did give you a fight, yeah?" Kirrik teased. "Getting a little rusty?"
"Ha ha," Imi replied sarcastically. She turned to face him. "You work on that one for a while? You don't look so hot yourself."
Kirrik had forgotten the scuffs on his clothes and the small burns that dotted his face. His hair turned stringy from the water that dampened it. Imi was right, but he didn't want to give her the satisfaction of admitting it.
"You can just say I'm right," Imi said with a wink as she continued her walk and left him behind.
Kirrik stopped and put his hands on his temples, as if blocking the psychic brain waves from leaving. He felt the hairs on the back of his neck tingle.
"How do you keep doing that?"
___________________________________________________________________
Areshia studied the whole situation carefully through the security feeds of Qivera Station. She had been watching for a while, hands interlaced and one leg resting on the other, contemplating the best chance to strike. Now that Jix and Jax were gone, she would have to finish things personally. There was no more room for mistakes.
"Well then, if it isn't my favorite boy toy and the homewrecker," She mumbled to herself as she watched Kirrik and Imi get into a lift. Zaius, Sky and their Chyl companion quickly followed. "Working with the enemy now, Kirrik? That's very, very naughty of you. First Tentiav, now here. You should have stayed far away from my business. Still, why not take care of all my problems at once?"
A low voice coughed from behind her.
"Whatever you have to say better be important, or you're wasting my time and your life," Areshia said to the mercenary standing behind her without turning around. She bent forward and shuffled security feeds to follow the lift.
"Ms. Divaris, the Bergoda Sisters are requesting a meeting with you. They said that you aren't holding up your end of the original deal and would like to... renegotiate. You've also been hailed by two other parties: one going by the name of Iron Star and the other by Spade. Should I respond on your behalf?"
Areshia's eyes grew wide in shock and she developed another devilish grin.
"So they finally made time for me, hmm?" She said with a titter. "Tell the Bergodas to buzz off into a bug zapper. If they want to talk, it will be on my terms and my time. As for the other two, I'll see to them personally."
The door to the office slid open then closed. A lock, one meant for Areshia's protection, clicked into place. She leaned back into her original position and stared up at the ceiling. It was time to get off of Tovarro for a while.
___________________________________________________________________
The lift dinged as it rotated around and the doors slid open to reveal the entryway of the Arrival Docks. It was the most barebones of all Tovarro's floors, each wall covered in a dozen screens showing ship locations, repair statuses and times for traveling ships to arrive or depart. While it was normally filled to the brim with traveling Tovarrans and tourists, the hall was unusually empty. A large circular desk with a lone attendant sat at the other end. As Kirrik led the group toward the desk, the Uvari attendant stood up.
"No traveling right now. TovaSec's orders," He called to them before they got too far down the hall.
Kirrik pulled out the orange card and lifted it in the air for the attendant to see. His right iris turned red for a brief moment, then transitioned to green. He blinked and it returned to its normal gray.
"I see now. You got a beautiful ship down there. Damn shame you have to leave," He said, hitting some buttons on his holographic keyboard.
"She's my pride and joy," Kirrik said with a goofy smile.
"It," Imi corrected behind him.
Kirrik's smile dropped and he batted his hand back in dismissal.
"Are we good to go?" He asked the attendant.
"Yes sir, just let me open the hatchway."
The middle of the doorway next to Kirrik pressed in and rotated quickly. A thin blue light encircled the center. The doorway chimed like a loud bell and split into two. A long descending staircase waited on the other end.
He took the lead again, Imi close behind, while the rest followed from a small distance. He could tell Diah was still on high alert, waiting for the moment things could potentially go sideways. He really didn't blame her. Imi had really done a number on them, and she hadn't said much afterwards to try and make up for it. He knew that was just her nature, but to strangers it could come across as a little rude. Zaius and Sky had been more trusting, but still mostly kept to themselves. It would take a bit of time for everyone to come out of their shells.
Kirrik reached the bottom of the stairs and turned to face the group. He saw Zaius and Sky had become enamored with the view around them. He appreciated their innocent joy.
The dock was shaped like a giant dome with floors as high as the eye could see. What seemed like a thousand ships were attached to a number of rods, locks and holding bars at every junction. A pill-shaped window stretched across the very top of the dock, showcasing the stars. A bright orange planet with four rocky rings floated outside.
"If you would be so kind as to look to your left, you'll find the best ship in all of Atania waiting for you!" Kirrik flaunted, energetic like a kid on a sugar high.
Sky snickered and he knew that Imi was most likely behind him, mocking his motions and making faces like she often did. It didn't matter. Nothing could take his pride in his ship away. He led them a little further down the docking pad.
The Aurora Nova rested in its chamber, a vibrant electric blue that matched its namesake. Four large scale ion cannons hung under the L3 class fighter's sharpened wings. Small silver orbs dotted the backside of the ship, flowing into the six boosters set in two triangular groups on each side. A razor thin black accent line ran from the cockpit's viewing window all the way to the thrusters. The undercarriage of the ship was covered in a pearlescent metal sheen.
"This," Kirrik said with a grand gesture, "is the Aurora Nova!"
"And this fighter will get me back home?" Diah asked from behind Zaius, looking the ship over.
"Diah, this fighter will get you to wherever you want to go in half the time a normal ship would." Kirrik answered proudly. Imi moved to his side.
"So, is this like the fastest ship in the galaxy?" Sky inquired with a raised hand.
Imi covered her mouth to hold back a cackle. Kirrik rolled his eyes in annoyance at her. He had been asked that question too many times and she loved the sense of loathing it elicited from him. He sniffled and raised a pointed finger.
"Well, not quite," He said honestly. "But she's still pretty damn fast."
"It," Imi corrected again, finally breaking. She bent over and laughed between breaths. "Please, Captain, tell us all about the Nova's magnificent features!"
"Ignore my co-pilot," Kirrik said, pushing the others toward the Nova. He felt a migraine start to build in the back of his head. "She's just jealous."
"Of a machine?" Zaius asked.
"Yeah, you could say that," Kirrik responded. "Let's get inside. I'll show you all around and we'll get popping over to Vensha in no time."
*****
Zaius grabbed Diah's hand and gave it a tight squeeze. They looked into each other's eyes briefly. She knew they had been through hell and back, and now things seemed to be looking up. Diah was one step closer to getting back home.
"We did it," Zaius told her ecstatically. The flicker of joy in his eyes stirred her hidden emotions back up. She nodded and moved towards him, reaching out and wrapping her arms around him once more. They embraced for a long moment.
Diah wasn't sure what would happen next, but it honestly didn't matter to her. She knew that she was feeling something, and once they got to Vensha, she hoped they could take the time to address it and build something new. She thought about the adventures they could have and how nice it would be to finally have someone she trusted there for her in every aspect of her life.
'Remember the last time you let someone get close,' the wicked voice hissed again. 'Do you really think I'll let you stay with him?'
Diah refused to let the thoughts of her mother ruin the moment. She focused on Zaius' hands pressed against her. The warmth of his body against hers. Her heart skipped a beat. She opened her eyes and looked at the Human who had pulled her out of the fires of one life and stood by her side as she embarked on a new one. He was blushing hard.
Diah noticed Sky watching in the corner with a mischievous expression. She figured that Sky wanted to take the moment to call attention to Zaius' obvious emotions, but was holding back to preserve the moment. Diah extended an invitation to the hug in gratitude. Sky jumped forward in acceptance.
The landing ramp of the Nova lowered behind them with a quiet whir. Diah saw Imi run up into the ship as Kirrik stayed behind to wave them inside. Diah looped her arms around Zaius and Sky's before going with them up the ramp. It was time to go home.
*****
Across the dock and five floors up, a lone Reclaiment watched as the ship roared to life. He pressed a button on the side of his helmet and listened to a long beeping tone. The gears and floors of the Arrival Dock twisted and moved under the Nova, aligning it with the dock's main runway. The Nova lifted into the air then shot off through the atmospheric shield and into the sea of stars outside.
The tone stopped and a deep, icy voice answered.
"Report."
_____________________________________________________________________
Ravig listened intently as the Reclaiment gave him a description of the Aurora Nova. His eyes were glued to the falling sun on the end of the horizon. The sky itself became a picturesque blend of purple, blue, orange and yellow. It was a beautiful view that he would never get to see on Yara.
The very idea stoked a flicker of hatred for the other species. They would never know how wonderful the things they had, the everyday things they often took for granted, were until it was ripped away from them. The Kunar had suffered long enough. It was up to Ravig, and to an extent the Regime, to right the wrongs of the past and give the Kunar a better future.
"Report your findings to Rana immediately. She'll know exactly how to handle these insignificant pests," He ordered.
The line went silent. He enjoyed the peace, and the view, for a brief moment. A door opened and closed behind him.
"You really have to stop the personal visits. There's nothing that can't be discussed over an encrypted call," an annoyed yet honeyed voice reprimanded him.
"Your daughter is proving to be a troublemaker on a number of different ends. Truly, she's becoming quite the headache to deal with," Ravig retorted. He turned to face his ally.
Wyrna pulled her hand from her sleeve and reached towards a bouquet of flowers left on her desk. A note sat tucked on its side, and Ravig could barely make out the scratchy writing: "From Gallard."
He watched intently as she lifted the bouquet and enveloped it in yellow particles. The flowers withered, burning from the inside out Wyrna's acidic Kanushin seeped into them. She tossed the dead flowers at Ravig's feet.
"Let's discuss a way to deal with all of our problems at once," She said with revulsion. "Permanently."
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