PROLOGUE
GF Transport Ship Horizon
"I've transferred my report of the evacuation. You should have it now." The woman spoke to the bow tie wearing green alien.
"Yes, I just received it. Thank you so much for your help, Samus. Those colonists owe you their lives." The alien responded.
"All in a day's work, Chairman." Samus said.
"When I expect you to return?" Chairman Keaton asked.
"My ship's Jump Drive took some damage in the battle with the scavenger clan, so I am hitching a ride on the transport ship. At sublight I should be back in a week." She replied.
"That shouldn't cause any problems. Consider this some well needed downtime. I will have Mirage handle the finances for your latest contract and will see you in a week. Good job, Samus. Enjoy your rest." Keaton said.
"Thank you, sir." Samus said.
"Keaton, out." The Chairman said, signing off.
A few moments later the comm beeped again before an image of a woman made of crystal appeared.
"Good evening, Samus." The woman greeted her.
"Hello, Mirage." Samus replied.
"I have transferred the amount of 50,000 credits to your account for services rendered as per your contract. Can you please confirm?" The AI secretary said.
Samus checked her account. "Confirmed. Thank you, Mirage." She spoke.
"Please contact me if there is anything I can do for you. Good night, Samus" The AI replied before signing off.
Samus sighed, stretching out before rubbing her eyes wearily. She was several different things, but she decided that she was tired most of all. She felt like she could sleep the entire week away. As gratitude for her help saving the colony the transport captain gave her a private room with a gigantic bed that she instantly flopped onto when she first saw it.
She stood up and walked over to her bag and rummaged through it. Selecting a ruby leotard with long sleeves she set it aside before she continued to dig around before finding the second item she wanted. She couldn't help but smile, as she did every time she saw it. It was a small plush baby Metroid that Anthony had made for her for her birthday a few years ago.
Tossing the plush onto the bed she ran a finger from her neck down to her stomach, releasing a seam in the Zero Suit she wore, allowing her to remove it and setting it aside. She slipped into the leotard, adjusting the fabric around her until it was comfortable. Most people would prefer looser clothing to sleep in but he choice of skin-tight garments was twofold. The first was if an emergency happened, she needed to get into her suit quick. Skin-tight clothing (or nothing at all if she felt like it) allowed her to don her suit at a moment's notice. And the second was there was something familiar about it to her. She had been wearing outfits like the leotard from when she was a little girl training with the Chozo.
She plopped onto the bed, rolling onto her side before running an arm under the pillow, the other gripping the plush to her body. Letting out a large sigh she felt her body relax before her eyes slowly closed.
Sleep came quick for her and as she felt her body succumb to sleep, she felt her thoughts get drawn back to her childhood…and her memories of a Little Bird.