"Yuri." He thought he heard a voice call. But that was impossible, they had all been erased. "Yuri. Wake up Yuri."
He grunted in pain, as he felt a hand haul him to his feet.
"There! you're finally awake!" Tatiana said.
"Ha ha! Kira's asleep too." Torlo added with a laugh. "Do you two have to do everything together?"
Leaning down, Tatiana gently shook Kira out of her slumber. "I know you're tired Kira, but your shift's not over yet you know."
"Huh...?" She mumbled, stumbling to her feet with help.
"Where are we?" Yuri asked.
"According to the charts, this is the Irvest sector." Torlo announced, turning with a quick glance to the monitor. "Who knew there was a gate here from Spetses, eh?"
"The Irvest sector?"
"Yup. It was just discovered recently. The charts on it aren't even complete yet, from the looks of it." Nia informed him. "There's supposed to be lots of inhabited planets in this sector too. Kalymnos and Nova Nacio are racing each other to check out the area."
Recognizing Yuri's silence, and the weird look on his face, Ian turned to the Captain. "What's the matter Yuri? Don't you feel well?"
"I, uh... I... guess I'd better set a course."
Turning to his console, Yuri began to study the sector map...
All the while wondering just what the Grus was going on.
Saving his confusion for another time, the small fleet continued up the starlane, before Kira called out to her brother. "Yuri, there's a large fleet ahead!"
"A fleet?"
In the distance, a fleet of ships could indeed be seen, and as they watched, they heard a message being given over the open communications channel.
"Warning civilian ship! This is the Kalymnos Cluster Probe Expedition. This area was discovered by the nation of Kalymnos. We retain all rights to its exploration. We are prepared to use military force if need be against any intruder. You must turn back immediately." The voice said with force. "We repeat, Turn back immediately."
Nia broke the silence afterwards, turning to Yuri. "Oh boy. Looks like we got here just at the wrong time. Kalymnos and Nova Nacio are right in the middle of it. Whaddya wanna do Yuri?"
"I guess it doesn't make sense to try arguing with a whole army right now. We should probably turn back."
The others felt the same, and they definitely weren't going to argue.
Upon arrival at NN-005... and after a very extensive check by the security patrols... they were all granted permission to land.
Having just finished in the shower, Yuri was heading for bed, when Kira entered, carrying a tray of food, and placing it on the table.
"Yuri, I made dinner. Pantilla and abon stew. They're your favourites, right?" She asked, placing the cutlery down beside the plate.
"Yeah, thanks." He replied.
Now that he thought about it, he hadn't eaten in a while.
"Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
"Sure, go ahead..." He answered, trailing off.
Noticing the look on his face, she studied him. "What's the matter?"
"Hm?"
"You look so serious." She said.
"Oh. Well... Kira, do you remember what happened in that Phenomena Fluctuation Sector?" He asked cautiously.
She frowned. "Yes. I was so scared! I thought you and everybody else were going to disappear. I didn't know what to do!"
Yuri's eyes lit up.
"So you remember it too, do you?" He asked
"Huh? Of course I do! Why do you ask?"
Yuri sighed, leaning back in his chair with a thud. "I went around to everybody and asked them about that Flux Sector. But they all said they didn't remember it! They did say they remembered up to the part about the Epitaph being activated... but they all said that after that, we just warped from the Spetses sector to this one."
"I checked the navigation records, and charts too, but there's nothing in them anywhere about that Flux Sector. I just don't understand any of it. And how the Grus did we manage to get out of the Flux anyway?" He growled, annoyance and confusion finally catching up. "Or did it ever even really exist to begin with? Argh! I feel like it was just all in my head, like I'm going crazy or something! It's freaking me out!"
"Oh Yuri..." She started.
She was always worried about him. That much he was grateful for.
"If you remember it happening, then to you, it really did happen. People can only see what they themselves believe to exist."
"Kira... Thanks." He replied with a smile, reaching over to take her bare hand in his.
She shivered. "Oh Yuri, your hand is so cold..."
After a long nap, and feeling quite refreshed afterwards, Yuri found himself reading through the reports from the department heads.
As the time passed, and more of the crew slowly awakened from their slumber, Yuri joined them on the orbital elevators. Once their feet hit the ground, they found themselves exploring the very small settlement.
Yuri had seen bigger in the Dominion of Ropesk, and they too, weren't all that big anyway. The one thing it did have though, was a tavern; a steady stream of people entering and exiting.
Inside, Yuri found himself listening as the bartender talked away. "This planet was discovered by the Nova Nacion military. People just recently started settling here. Once enough people are living here, they're planning to change the name of the planet to something more official-sounding."
Excusing himself with a polite smile to tend to some others, Yuri took sight of Cico, who waved him over.
"Yo! We never really got the chance to talk before, did we?" Lifting a glass, the two toasted together. "Here's to squashin' that miserable old fart Cadmus. Congrats!"
"Thanks. And I really appreciate what you did too." Yuri answered after taking a sip. "Leading Valantin in was a pretty risky thing to do."
"No probs! Hey, ya know? It's kinda nice this. I always worked on my own until now." He replied, flashing Yuri a smile. "Whaddya say man? You wanna travel together for a while? I'm thinkin' about headin' over to the Large Magellanic Cloud next."
"The LMC?" Yuri asked, just as excited as his friend.
"Yeah. I heard you can get to the Magellanic Stream through the Void Gate near here. It oughta be pretty fun. You wanna try ridin' the stream in together?"
Before the answer could come tumbling out of his mouth, Nia's voice cut in.
"The Magellanic Stream eh? The one and only starlane to the Large Magellanic Cloud..." Turning to face Yuri, she added. "I don't think you're ready for that just yet kiddo."
What? Not ready?
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" He asked, annoyed.
Without missing a beat, Nia responded. "Exactly what I said. There aren't many spaceports along that route, and it's just one dangerous sector after another. A starlane like that is just a little more than I think you can handle right now."
More than I can handle?! He thought. Now she's starting to sound just like everyone else.
"Oh, I don't know about that! I think I've built up a lot of experience lately!" He defended, more than a little miffed at her sudden turn.
"What are ya doin', fishing for compliments?" She asked sharply. "I think I know what I'm talkin' about kid!"
Realizing that he had been forgotten, and that the following conversation was probably not one he should be listening to, Cico ducked away.
He smiled then, taking a glance back at Yuri and Nia.
"Those two sure are odd." He found himself mumbling. "Almost like an old married couple."
Letting out a laugh, he found himself thinking.
Whatever the outcome, there was one thing that he would take away from all that had happened in the last few days.
He had found some good friends. The first he'd ever had.
And despite his steely reputation, and strict, professional relationship with his crew...
He was actually finding himself growing fond of his new friends...
"Kid?" He asked rhetorically. "I thought I told you to stop calling me that!"
His voice was hard, and sharp as a knife.
"Oh come off it! Aren't you just a kid? You're sixteen!"
"MY NAME'S YURI!" He said with a raised voice, none of the other tavern patrons paying them any attention.
She let out a mocking laugh, and looked down at him. "Look, your face has gone all red! What's wrong baby... do you want me to find you a dummy? Perhaps you want to go running back to mummy."
He was getting sick of it now. With every word, his face was growing redder, and himself... angrier.
"I'M NOT A BABY!" He shouted at her. "After everything we've been through together, you're just gonna turn around now and not believe that I can do this? Who do you think you are?"
"You're not a baby? Cause you're sure acting like it." She didn't look or sound like she was mocking him anymore... her face had gone serious. "And you know who I am? Nia Lochlain: Your Launcher. And if you don't like it, then you can just go to Grus!"
He wasn't sure why, but this stopped him in his tracks for a second. And in the meantime, Nia had taken the opportunity to drag Yuri over to a secluded part of the tavern.
Pushing him into a booth, she took a seat directly opposite. "When I found you on Ropesk, all skin, bones and rags, I thought I was being had. I quickly learned that I wasn't."
Now came the serious conversation. That was why she had moved them over to the booth. Before, she could mock and tease him however she wanted, she was older, and had the height advantage, she was looking down on him.
Now though, she had no such power. They were equals, having a serious discussion. "Do you remember the first thing I asked you once we got the DAISY into space?"
Yuri found his mind wondering back to that fateful day many months ago...
He nodded. "You asked if I was scared yet."
"That's right! And do you remember what your answer was?" She prodded.
"I told you I would be lying if I wasn't."
"After that, I told you that space can be a pretty freaky place, and that you being scared meant that you weren't stupid. That you understood full well what the dangers were."
Their eyes remained locked. Neither flinching as the other spoke. "When you paid me to be your Launcher, I told you that I would get you to Central Elgava, didn't I?"
"Yes."
"And we got there, didn't we? After our run in with Valantin, I promised you that I would stay on until we got your Epitaph back, and we haven't done that yet, have we?" She asked.
The good thing was, that the more she talked, the more Yuri's anger evaporated. It was a tactic she had learned. Get them good and angry, then start laying down the facts. Ask them questions to get their mind distracted.
"I'm not just here to help get your Epitaph back! I'm not just here because you're my friend! I'm here to make sure you don't wind up in an early grave!" She said suddenly.
Closing her eyes, she was wondering just how to broach the rest of the conversation, and despite the many protests that her mind gave, she found herself revealing more information than she'd liked.
"I'm not just saying this because I don't think you're ready, I'm saying this because I've been down that road." She told him. "I've travelled the Magellanic Stream. I've been to the LMC. I know how hard it is to survive out there."
Wait! What! His mind asked.
"You've been to the Large Magellanic Cloud?" He asked in confusion... his voice laced with surprise and excitement.
"And trust me, you wouldn't last five seconds out there." She spoke honestly. "The pirates of the LMC and the Magellanic Stream are greedy and ruthless. They won't stop until you're dead or captured, and all they care about is their next payday. They'll never show any mercy... believe me."
He was starting to. And thinking on it now, he found himself embarrassed at the way he had spoken before.
He really had acted like a baby.
"Nia... I'm sorry."
"Just listen to me. You may think that you're a big shot, taking down pirates and Feudal Lords... but there'll always be someone out there stronger and smarter than you. Remember that" She told him.
Yuri frowned, his mind working to comprehend what she was telling him. "Even Valantin?"
"Especially Valantin! He's not the best for nothing." She replied. "He ain't stupid. And he sure as Grus doesn't let himself get too relaxed. He's always expecting something."
The silence stretched on between them, which Nia broke.
"You may be good, there's no denying that." She told him honestly. "But trust me when I tell you that you just aren't ready for the Magellanic Stream yet?"
"Yet?"
"That's right. All good things take time."
Nodding in understanding, he glanced down at the table, before smiling.
"So what is the Large Magellanic Cloud like? What are their nations like? What about their ships?" Yuri asked.
Nia smiled.
In for a shot, in for a bottle.
"Well..." She began, chin resting in her hand. "Where do I start? I don't want to reveal too much, that'll take away from the wonder you'll feel when you finally get there..."
"Whew! I really got behind with my laundry!" Tatiana said to herself, exiting the crew's with a basketful of fresh clothes.
As the door swished open, she almost ran into a startled Adorinda Nobelo, who smiled in return. "Oh, hello. Let's see, your name was..."
"Tatiana Agarkov." She helped. They'd only met a handful of times, and now that she thought on it... she wasn't sure her name had ever come up. "You didn't disembark either Miss Nobelo?"
"No. I thought I'd help check over the inventory first. I've been noticing a lot of waste going on around here, and I've been thinking..." The older woman smiled as they started up the hallway. "I could set up a more efficient management system. That would help conserve resources."
She certainly hadn't expected for the woman to stay aboard. After all, the only reason she had decided to come was because of Katida... who was now being safety returned to her grandfather.
"That would be a big help. Thank you."
"I'm happy to do it."
Bidding each other farewell, they went their separate ways, and some time later, Adorinda Nobelo found herself sorting through one of the FLAKRUNNER's storerooms.
As she sorted through each of the containers, accessing the shipping and transfer manifest, she updated her mobile terminal at the same time.
"There's plenty of water, but there seems to be a lot of wasteful use of provisions going on." Suddenly, ears pricking up, she heard a noise. Faint... but just loud enough to hear. "Huh? Is somebody there?"
Gripping the shipping manifest in both hands, she crept closer towards the sound; coming from the door on the far side of the room.
She felt a hint of fear creep up, and her mind began to race through all possible scenarios.
Wait a second! Looking down, she took in the manifest that was being held in both hands. This won't help at all!
Not that there was anything else to use anyway.
Mustering her courage, she steeled herself, and held up the manifest... for all the good it would do.
The door slid open, and for a moment, she didn't see anything. But the sounds of laboured breathing drew her attention to the floor, where a young girl lay dressed in the finest pink and red clothes.
She stopped dead in her tracks, her skin cold.
"What?! Miss Lanco?! What is she doing here?" She asked herself. "What in the galaxy —"
After regaling Yuri with stories from her travels to the LMC and the Magellanic Stream; making sure not reveal too much... they parted ways.
Walking back through the crowd, a fresh drink in his hands, he found a table to sit at by himself.
Pondering the conversation he had had with both Cico and Nia... he was in two minds about the Magellanic Stream.
On one hand, he so desperately wanted to go to the LMC. New people! New places! New pirates and criminals to fight! What wasn't there to get excited about.
On the other hand, his rational logical side was yelling at him too... agreeing with Nia.
She had a point. If he did go there, and was defeated... then everything they had done... everything that had to be done... was going to be for nothing.
And then, there was his father's Epitaph that Valantin had stolen.
He still hadn't gotten that back either.
"Yuri... Can I sit with you for a little bit?"
Kira's voice almost made him jump in surprise, but he managed to keep himself calm.
"Sure Kira. Is something the matter?" He asked, noticing the look on her face. "Are you still feeling uneasy?"
"Yeah."
"Well, don't worry. I'll be here for you."
"Thanks Yuri." She said with a smile.
"Yuri! Are you alright?!"
He did jump this time.
"Huh?" He asked stupidly, rubbing his knee where he had smacked it on the table.
"You've been looking pale ever since we left the Spetses sector." Larissa observed. "Kira too, for that matter. Are you two still having those headaches?"
"No. I'm fine."
"Me too. There's nothing to worry about here." The two siblings agreed, offering up a look of innocence.
"Are you sure about that? Look, if you're feeling funny, don't try to be a hero about it. Come see me! Have you got that?"
"We will."
"Got it. We'll come straight to you if we have any problems." Yuri agreed.
With Larissa's departure, Yuri and Kira found themselves talking with a newly arrived Ian, who had brought over a plate of food for himself.
The topic of discussion: the Irvest sector.
For some reason, Ian felt uncomfortable... and he soon explained why. "To tell you the truth, I don't really like being here in this sector. Not with all that's going on."
"All that's going on?" Yuri asked.
The Irvest sector was a confusing topic for him. He new next to nothing about it anyway.
"Yes, here in the Irvest Sector. Don't you remember what Mr. Garni told us on the planet Populara?" Ian asked the silver-haired teen. "The Irvest Sector has been the number one cause of the increased tension between Kalymnos and Nova Nacio. The question of who can gain control of this area will decide the futures of both nations."
It made sense though. The two fought about everything anyway... why not something like a new sector full of unexplored planets.
"The last thing we want to do is get involved in their feud here. It would be a whole lot worse than dealing with a few pirates, that's for sure!"
Yuri had to agree with the boy though. Being involved in a war definitely wasn't on the top of his to-do list.
Let's hope it doesn't come to that.
Yuri shivered. He had a bad feeling about this.
Not again!
At some point, the subject of terraforming of the Irvest sector arose, and with some convincing form Professor Minas... they had all decided to make a trip to the Biosphere.
Surprisingly, Tatiana was nowhere to be found... and upon some prodding, Kira had revealed her decision to stay behind and catch up on a few things.
As the group walked into the entrance hall, the receptionist greeted them with a smile. "Welcome to the Biosphere. Within the dome, we provide an artificial environment for many life forms."
She waved them over to a large screen near her desk, and they watched the video flick through the biospheres many features. "Here, we create and study such things as planets, animals and carbon dioxide for the purpose of future terraforming. Admittance is 1,000G. Would you like to enter?"
Glancing at each other, with their answer soon reached, Yuri nodded. "Yes please."
Handing over the currency card, and paying the fee, the woman smiled as the group headed for the door. "Enjoy your glimpse into the future, the new frontier: NN-005!"
Making their way into the biosphere, Kira glanced around in wonder. "Wow, look at all the plants! It's a little humid in here though."
Nodding, Minas answered. "Yes, that's because the microorganisms here release a large quantity of methane gas and carbon dioxide. A miniature jungle, all contained in a dome!"
Passing through, they came to a fork in the road, where signs pointed the way. Deciding on visiting the Growth Chamber first, they emerged into a large room, and soon... Professor Minas began to point and explain.
"A growth chamber is a room where plants and microorganisms are grown. Did you know that they produce methane gas and carbon dioxide? Those are the gases that can cause a greenhouse effect. And so this is how air is created on an airless planet, through the use of microorganisms."
Honestly... Yuri had no idea how he had managed that explanation without so much as a breath.
Torlo frowned. "But how much can people stay alive in an atmosphere that's all pumped full of methane gas and carbon dioxide?"
It was a good question.
"Ah! That's where the plant photosynthesis comes in. When provided with enough sunlight, plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen that people can breathe."
"Oh, I get it! Cool."
Walking back out towards the fork, Selenia spoke. "So where to next?"
"Lets go to the Atmosphere Control Room next!"
And as they entered, Minas began explaining...
"In this room, the composition of the methane gas, carbon dioxide, and oxygen created in the growth chamber is observed and analysed." He pointed to several screens, where they could see an abundance of information flowing, which made their heads spin. "It is then adjusted to create an atmosphere within the biosphere, suitable for sustaining human life."
Yuri mulled over that information for a bit. "So that means the number of plants are reduced or increased, depending on the results of what they observe here, right?"
"That is it precisely."
The Water Quality Control Room was last, and as before, Yuri and the others found themselves listening to the Professor speak.
"One of the requisites in terraforming is creating an environment in which plants can survive. The planet must orbit inside an optimal zone that allows just the right amount of light to reach it from its star. This zone is called that planetary system's "circumstellar habitable zone." If a planet is far removed from this circumstellar habitable zone, terraforming it can prove to be quite difficult."
"Huh. Interesting." Yuri found himself replying.
Some time later, they were bidding the receptionist farewell, and exiting the Biosphere.
"Did that help you understand the technology behind creating a planetary environment capable of supporting human life." Gavriil Minas asked Yuri.
"Yeah it did, thanks. I really learned a lot."
"Good. Well, I suppose we should be going then."
He was glad, he had to admit.
After their journey to Mytilene... and the answers they had found from Professor Mistika on Tineo... he had thought that the old man would have left.
Yuri found Minas growing on him with each passing day. He was wise and knowledgeable, yes. Also, childlike and irresponsible... at times.
But there was a sense of adventure and mystery there that Yuri could see. Much like himself.
He hadn't disembarked yet...
And Yuri was glad he hadn't.
"Oh, Yuri! You're back!"
The relief in Tatiana's voice put Yuri on alert, and as she walked over in a hurry, he began wondering what she was so worried about.
"Did something happen?"
"You're not going to believe it! We found Katida Lanco stowed away on our ship!"
"What the Grus?!" The disbelief in his voice was as obvious as it was in Tatiana's... and it showed on his face.
Tatiana and Adorinda exchanged glances, before the former spoke. "She must've run after you, and got on board before we left the Spetses port."
"Her going missing like that almost brought two nations to war already!" Yuri was annoyed. What was it with this rich kid? "Doesn't she have any idea how much trouble this is going to cause?!"
"And Mr. Lanco might be thinking that the mission to rescue her failed, for all we know." Ian said in worry.
Yuri paled.
"You don't have to worry about that. I just sent an IP communication to Mr. Lanco to let him know she's been rescued." Adorinda reassured them.
"You did? Thank you Adorinda." He replied. At least that was one less thing to worry about. "And where is Katida now?"
"She's resting in one of the rooms." The woman answered, before her face scrunched up in thought. "But the thing is..."
"What's the matter?" He asked.
Obviously there was something she was holding back...
"Miss Lanco suffers from a congenital disease called phermedosine hormone deficiency." She finally revealed after a pause. "That's what caused her to collapse, I believe."
"Phermedosine hormone deficiency?" Kira asked.
*What the Grus was that?*
Following the conversation, Minas explained to them what this meant.
"Yes, phermedosine is a hormone that helps the body resist low-gravity sickness and cosmic rays." Yuri often found himself wondering how the man knew everything. "It is this hormone that allows humankind to spend extended periods of time in space without having any adverse effects. Humans are a special species in that way.
And that's why."
"I see. And what's the cure for this disease Miss Nobelo?" He asked.
"Oh, there is no cure I'm afraid." She looked almost upset. "But the disease can be managed by giving her periodic phermetas injections to raise her resistance. I don't know where we're going to get that around here though."
"Damn it. What are we going to do?"
He was at a loss.
Yes, Katida was an annoying brat. But he couldn't let her die.
That wasn't who he was.
"Nothing to get all worked up about Yuri. Just go to the trade planet Kashtano and buy some!" Cico added.
Yuri had forgotten he was there.
"Kashtano? Where's that? It better not be too far." Torlo asked.
"Nah, it ain't that far. It's in a Nova Nacio-owned sector, a relay point in the Magellanic Stream. You just go through the gate, and then it's not far at all.
The Magellanic Stream! The source of his argument with Nia.
He glanced over to her for a second. She had a look of anticipation on her face... as if wondering what he was going to say.
"But the Magellanic Stream...?"
Sensing the tension between the two, Cico broke in... a good idea suddenly coming to mind.
"I'll go with ya. I'll be part of your fleet. We shouldn't run into any problems." Cico smiled, giving him a nod.
Yuri frowned.
"You'll do that?"
"Sure." Cico said with a shrug. "But you gotta promise to think about what I said before, about going to the LMC with me. I don't know why, but I kinda like you. It'd be fun! Whaddya say?"
Yuri suddenly found himself smiling... despite the fact he was serious. "Okay, fine. If you're willing to join my fleet, then let's do it."
Cico clapped his hands together, showing his excitement. "Then let's go to the Magellanic Stream..."
There was a whoop of joy that ran through Yuri's Circle, and Cico exchanged smiles with him.
"I'm going back to the RUDIANOS. You can follow me in."
"Sure! We'll get the fleet ready, and we'll meet you at the Void Gate." Yuri replied.
Cico nodded, and walked back down the docking ramp, as Yuri's crew returned to their posts. The docking hatch sealed over, and Yuri felt someone standing behind him.
There was no doubt about who it was. Turning to face his First Officer, he wasn't sure what to say, or even how to say it. She stood there studying him as his mouth opened and closed like a fish... an unreadable expression on her face.
"I know you said I wasn't ready, and I agree with you." He started, unsure of where he was heading with the explanation. "But I can't just let Katida die. Not after all that we went through to get her back."
She watched him in silence, and for a second, he thought she was going to tear into him...
Then she dropped her arms... and shot him a small smile.
"Don't ya worry 'bout it Yuri. I'd probably do the same thing anyway." She replied.
"Really?" He wasn't sure what to say.
Knowing her like he had for the last few months, he was sure that she would have left Katida to die.
It was good to see that there was a kindness to her.
"Listen, just do me a favour." She started, giving him a serious look. "Don't let your guard down in there, not for a moment."
"But what about Cico? And the RUDIANOS?" He asked.
"Forget about them." She cut in quickly. "If you keep leaning on others when things get tough, you'll never make it. You need to worry about yourself, and learn to stand on your own two feet when it really counts."
The look in her face made Yuri gulp inaudibly. He had to admit, the way she was acting about the Magellanic Stream had been giving him second thoughts.
But he knew he couldn't back out now.
That wasn't who he was...
"Use what you see in there to better yourself! Make yourself better! Cico may be a boon to our fleet, but he won't be around forever." She told him. "And if you get stuck in there by yourself, then there won't be anyone around to help. No Elgavan Military! No Sector Security Agency! No backup! Understand?"
Yuri watched her for a second, before he hardened his face and his eyes, turning a steely look towards her.
He nodded.
"Then let's go!"
"Well I think that's about it." Nadja Musin replied, wrapping up their meeting. "Everything seems to be going well."
"Nothing else we need to discuss?" Yuri asked. "Resources? Personnel?"
With a thoughtful look, Musin replied. "Nothing off the top of my head. Besides the R&D upgrades, which I'll let you know about, I think we just about covered everything."
As she took a sip from her mug, she glanced at the mobile terminal beside her, a look of revelation appearing suddenly.
"Although..." She began, tapping her chin with her finger. "Phenomena Fluctuation sectors? You keep asking me, but I tell you, I don't know much about them except what I've read in encyclopaedias."
This new line of thought wasn't what he was expecting, but he listened intently.
"Nobody has ever really properly observed and reported on them scientifically after all. Why all the interest in Phenomena Fluctuation sectors anyway?" She finished.
"Oh, uh, no special reason." He replied quickly, earning himself a none too believing look.
His mind had a sudden flashback to his trip to the Flux... remembering how the entire crew had disintegrated there.
"Don't tell me you're planning on entering one!" She called out suddenly. A little louder than she had intended.
"No, don't worry."
She seemed to relax a bit, though was still on edge. "Phew. That's a relief. I love science, but not even I would want to observe a place like that firsthand!"
The funny thing was, she already had.
Leaving her to get back to work, he turned, spotting Ratai Faustov and Gavriil Minas. They appeared to be deep in conversation, looking down at the mobile terminal screen before them.
As they spoke, Yuri took a seat directly opposite, listening in on what they were saying.
"Professor Minas, while we're on the subject of cosmic radiation in the Irvest Sector..." He began, turning to the old man. They'd been spending lots of time together, as far as Yuri could tell. "When the Dead Gate was restored, the radar picked up on a large quantity of Drone Higgs Bosons."
Drone Higgs Bosons? He thought. The Spetses Epitaph?
"Hm... but according to what I have here, it appears that the mechanism quickly lost symmetry." Minas replied.
He wasn't completely sure what that meant. But taking it out of the context of the conversation, he could only guess that they were talking about either the Epitaph's power disappearing quickly... or the disappearance of the flux.
He wasn't sure.
"But looking at these readings, I find it very strange that there's absolutely no synchrotron radiation." Ratai said in frustration. "I've never seen this phenomenon before.. it's as if matter suddenly began to exist there at a certain point in time.""
Suddenly began to exist? He wondered.
It couldn't be that simple, could it? The Irvest sector had never existed at all before a dozen hours ago. It couldn't be a coincidence that they had discovered matter just existing suddenly.
And it had all begun when he had followed Valantin into the Flux.
He may not have been a scientist, but he had spent the last few months around them... some of the best in the SMC. And from what it sounded like... they held evidence about the existence of the Flux.
How that was connected to the sudden appearance of the Irvest sector, and the Epitaphs and Dead Gates... Yuri wasn't sure.
But the good thing about all this was... He and Kira weren't going crazy...
They weren't imagining things.
After meeting Cico at the Void Gate, the small fleet quickly made the trek to the Magellanic Stream. Upon arrival, Yuri looked out of the ship's viewport, noticing just how dark this sector looked in comparison to the others.
Not a good sign.
As they made their way down the first of many starlanes, Yuri took Nia's advice, and had the entire crew ready for anything.
Soon enough, a beeping from Kira's console drew his attention.
"Yuri, there's a ship approaching, twelve o'clock. It's coming at us really fast!"
"What a weird-looking ship." Torlo added, just as the communications channel flared to life.
"It's probably a jackal from the Large Magellanic Cloud. Jackals are pirates that target ships on the Magellanic Stream exclusively." Cico explained.
"An LMC-made ship huh?" Yuri asked aloud.
"The enemy is getting ready to fire. Prepare for attack!"
That was all the warning they received, as a string of attacks peppered the hulls of Yuri's three ships. The RUDIANOS however, was unfazed... pushing on ahead.
While the enemy Fellowship-class battleship briefly focused on Cico's advancing ship, the FLAKRUNNER, JUSTICE, and MISUNDERSTOOD had caught up.
Between their four ships, they managed to rid themselves of the jackal.
As the enemy exploded in the distance, Torlo called out in excitement. "All right! We got rid of it!"
Yuri however, wasn't celebrating, turning to his sister, he called. "Kira, could you put the data from that battle up on my screen?" He asked, turning around to glance at Nia's back as he studied his console screen... ignoring his sister.
"Huh? Okay, sure."
Noticing Yuri's distracted look, Torlo frowned. "Huh? What's up Yuri?"
Yuri's response was silence, as he studied the battle report... his friends exchanged pointed looks.
Nia though, watched as the teen stared in silence. He was starting to realize.
Some time later, as they passed through another asteroid field, they came across a rather beautiful sight.
In the distance, was a massive star, burning brightly amidst the red misted space in the background.
"Wow."
"The red supergiant Vasta..." Nia said. "They say it's hundreds of millions of miles across."
"Look how big it looks, even from this far away!"
"Just looking at it makes me feel warm." Tatiana added.
"Hey, wait a minute..." Ian said quickly. "I think it really is getting hot in here! What's the current temperature of the ship?"
Yuri, realizing what he was thinking, turned to his sister quickly. "Kira?"
"Current temperature, 95 degrees... and climbing!"
"Huh?!"
Realizing what was going on, Nia whirled around to face the Captain. "Yuri, we're in trouble! Our outer armour is starting to melt in the radiant heat from Vasta!"
"WHAT?! But what about our shields?!"
"They're at full power, but I guess this heat is just too much for them!" Kira replied.
"Grus! Welcome to the Magellanic Stream huh?" He said sarcastically.
"Yuri, do you want to turn back?"
"I'm afraid we can't." He answered to the room. "We have to go through here if we want to get to Kashtano." He said.
Turning to Kira, he spoke. "Inform the RUDIANOS, JUSTICE and the MISUNDERSTOOD that we're pushing on through."
"Understood!"
After half an hour, and several battles later, they found themselves emerging from the heat waves.
"Phew! Looks like we managed to get away from Vasta's heat somehow." Nia said in relief.
"Man, I am so drenched with sweat it's not even funny!" Torlo said, fanning himself with his shirt.
Yuri sighed. "Kira, get the shields and interior temperature back to normal, would you?"
"All right." She replied..
"Here you go everybody." Tatiana said, walking in with a tray in her hands. "I brought you some cold drinks."
"That's great. Thanks Tats!" He said, flashing her a smile.
Realizing that the Captain was missing, she double checked the bridge. "Huh? Where's Yuri?"
Reaching out to snag a drink off the tray, Nia took a quick sip. "He went to see how Katida was doin'. After all those extra cosmic rays hit her, she could be doing a whole lot worse."
"Right."
In one of the Sick Bay rooms, Katida shifted slightly, groaning as her laboured breathing vibrated through the room.
"She really seems to be suffering." Yuri said, leaning against the wall.
"Yes, being deficient in the phermedosine hormone is like being a throwback to our ancestors, before the days of space travel." Adorinda Nobelo answered from her position at Katida's beside. "It's a very rare condition. The universe is so unfair, don't you think? What did poor Miss Lanco ever do to deserve this?"
She reached over, lifting the sheets to cover Katida better. A sad smile playing on her lips.
While Kashtano was in a Nova Nacio owned sector, its location in the Magellanic Stream meant that there were no checkpoints... no security... and more importantly...
No military.
Adorinda had spent the rest of the journey towards the trade planet at Katida's bedside; informing him of her steadily worsening condition.
The moment the FLAKRUNNER slid into slip 443, and the docking tube was attached... Yuri and co were already racing up the ramp and towards the elevators.
When the orbital elevators touched down gently on the surface, and the doors slowly slid themselves open, Yuri and the gang were met with a peculiar sight.
The city seemed to be built on a bedrock of three colours, blue, silver and white. The buildings and sidewalks and signs were all sparkling clean, and packed with people.
The annoying thing however, was the dust. It got in their eyes, and up their nose. As Tatiana began to talk, she descended into a coughing fit. "Wow, all this dust!"
"And so many people!" Kira added in surprise.
"Some of these people are dressed in quite peculiar outfits. I've never seen styles like these before."
"Well, it's the only trade point between the SMC and the LMC, so you're gonna get all kinds of people comin' through here." Cico told them.
Nia, who had her attention split between a passing couple and their own conversation, but in.
"And I just heard from a guy walkin' by that they're holdin' huge bazaars all over the sector right now. That means there are even more people here than normal."
"Huh." Yuri mumbled to himself, glancing around at all the people.
Then a hand landed on his shoulder.
"Captain, we need to get that phermetas quickly. Miss Lanco is really suffering." Adorinda Nobelo told him seriously.
"Yeah, I agree. Let's look for someplace that might carry it." He told them.
And as the group split up, they agreed to meet back at the orbital elevators to discuss their findings.
Knocking back the rest of her drink, Selenia looked up at Captain of the JUSTICE sitting opposite her.
"So... a new threat is on its way huh?" Ogar said conversationally, staring at the glass of whiskey in his hand. "This will definitely change the geopolitical landscape."
"Well it's not like we know anything about them." She replied, reaching over to snatch the glass out of his hands. As she picked up the bottle for a refill, she glanced up at him. "I have to admit to being a little scared. Although a little excited too."
"I'm not so sure how I feel." He added, taking the glass back from her. "I served in the Elgavan Military for three decades before I left. Do I feel any loyalty towards the Interplanetary Union of Elgava: No."
He stared at his glass as he spoke, before taking a sip. The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat.
It felt good.
"While I may not feel any sense of loyalty to them, I must admit to feeling a sense of worry and fear for the people of my homeland."
"Well of course you do! That's part of what makes us human... right."
"I guess I... I guess I'm just not sure if what we're doing is the right thing." He replied, looking up into her emerald eyes. "Taking down Feudal Lords. Chasing prisoners and daughters of wealthy ship manufacturers -"
"But what can we do Ogar? You know yourself that there's nothing we can do without starting a mass panic." She said. "And if we try to help Elgava, or Kalymnos, or anyone else... you know as well as anyone that they won't see reason... not until it's too late."
The old Captain nodded, dragging a hand over his face. He suddenly looked every bit his 69 years of age.
Frowning in thought, she downed her whiskey in one go, before rising to her feet. Reaching out a hand to his, she pulled him to his feet. "C'mon grumpy! I think I may have a way of wiping that frown off your face "
Being dragged to his feet, Ogar watched as Selenia turned and flashed him a smile, before dragging him through the crowd... and out the door.
It was weird. He was an old man; ex military. And she was a former working girl and slave forced to grow up quick under the rule of the Hallan Harrowers.
He was 69, she was 28. A 41 years age gap between two different people.
Two people that just happened to get along really well.
And as she dragged him up the street...
He smiled.
As they all returned to the Orbital Elevators, Cico came running up with some news that he thought they should hear.
Apparently, there was a building on Kashtano that housed a group known as the Trader's Guild. Cico had told them that they sometimes dealt in information, amongst other things...
Though he wasn't 100% sure.
Some time later, and they found themselves entering a nicely decorated, modest sized building.
They were greeted at the entrance by the receptionist who almost made them deaf with her voice; and blind by her pearly white teeth.
"Welcome spacefarers! Welcome to the Kashtano. Would you like to pay your respects to Pipra, the leader of the Trader's Guild?" She asked, making eye contact with a few members of the group. "If you do, she'll make it worth your while for when you visit the bazaars."
What should I do? Yuri thought, looking over to Cico who was nodding discreetly.
"Yes please." He said after a bit.
Even if she didn't have the phermetas that Katida needed, he was hoping that she would at least know who did.
"Very good. Now, I'm afraid there are too many of you to all go in at once. Please choose two delegates and follow me." She turned then, her heels clacking on the ground as she walked off to wait by the far door.
After a debate, which Yuri's name was a must, the others decided that Nia was the likely choice. However... seeming as though it was Cico who had led them here, and due to him not officially being a part of the fleet, Yuri had decided that both Cico and the RUDIANOS needed a representative.
Nia readily agreed, and soon, Yuri and Cico were following the receptionist up a long empty hallway. The latter boy's gaze was focused firmly on the woman's behind, a stupid grin adorning his face as he elbowed Yuri... much to the silver-haired teen's embarrassment.
Stopping at a door, she waved the two into a room filled with an aqua light, a small, elderly woman huddled back in the shadows.
She was short and fat, with long greying, purple hair that hung at her shoulders. The clothes that were draped over her wrinkled body were of the strangest design Yuri had ever seen. Her left hand held a polished gold and black cane; a decorated pipe gripped between her teeth...
Smoke rising gently from the top.
In his mind, she looked old, ancient even... as if she had just risen out of the ground one day.
"Welcome, travellers of the sea of stars! Quite handsome ones too, I might add. If you have what it takes, the sea of stars can be paradise." She said, glancing at them with red eyes. "If you don't, it can be pure Grus. My name is Pipra, and I run all of Kashtano."
Taking another puff of her pipe, she beckoned them to come a little closer, as she stepped forward.
"You say you want to pay your respects... in that case, why don't you give me a little something to grease my palm?"
"Grease...?" He asked slowly.
"You know, a little something, something to show your appreciation, if you will." She said, before a lecherous grin lit up her face. "Or you can always trade your bodies..."
"Pardon?" Yuri said flatly.
He knew what she was talking about, if the way she had been eyeing them off all this time was any indication.
"That's a Nova Nacion at her worst for ya!'" Cico laughed. "In other words, she wants you to give her some G Yuri. Or put out!"
Well obviously. He thought.
"Oh, uh... Oh!" He said, trying to hide his disgust.
He pulled out a currency card, handing it over quickly.
He wasn't sure if dealing with this old lady was worth the price.
"Very nice, very nice! You can never have too much money... or too many boyfriends I always say!" She finished, looking Yuri up and down. "Isn't that right, handsome traveller?"
"Um, yes?"
She smiled creepily back at him, and Yuri glanced over at Cico, who was smiling in amusement.
Why don't you say something!
"I like the way you put your money where your mouth is. And, of course, you can put your mouth wherever you want..." Yuri visibly shuddered. "Here. I'll give you this pass. It'll get you into the Red Bazaar on Kranio."
Cico reached out to grab the red pass out of her hands, staring down in confusion and annoyance. "This is all we get for 2,000G?! We've been swindled!"
Hoping to head off an argument, or another outburst, Yuri nudged his friend. "Cico, shh! She can hear you!"
"Yes, yes. My ears are still as sharp as ever. As are other parts of me. Heh..."
I hope she means her elbows. He prayed.
"I'm sorry for my friend ma'am." He apologized.
"No hard feelings. After all, you're both valued Kashtano customers now. And pretty easy on the eyes too."
Yuri wished he could leave.
"Oh! I almost forgot." She said suddenly. "I'd better give you cuties permission to access Zefiro too."
"Zefiro?"
"That's right. It's a satellite of Subpremi, a popular tourist spot you know! It's well-known through the SMC as well. You two are nice young men." She said with a smile. "You ought to consider taking a date there. It's a very fine place! And if you can't find a date, I think I've got a slot of time available, if you know what I mean."
She finished with a smile and a laugh... Yuri staying silent as Cico groaned in disgust. "Well, I'm not taking any greedy old brood, but I wouldn't mind going on a date myself."
"Huh? Who would you ask Cico?"
Suddenly, the Captain of the RUDIANOS began to blush, and stammered as he answered. "Oh, well... I could take, you know... Kira."
Yuri's eyebrows shot up in surprise. What? "Kira?! What, did you already ask her?!"
"No, I haven't said a word to her yet. But I've been thinkin' about it..." He said with a shake of his head.
Yuri watched him for a second before sighing. "Phew. That was a surprise..."
Cico relaxed in relief, as he watched Yuri's reaction.
"Are you two done flapping your gums yet?"
"Oh yeah. Sorry."
With their attention on her again, Pipra continued. "Now, let me give you a word of warning boys. You aren't to stir up any trouble or make any waves on Zefiro right now, do you hear me?"
She was serious now, the first that she had been during the conversation.
Yuri and Cico exchanged glances.
"Why, is there something going on there?" The former asked.
"Yes, a lot of LMC bigwigs are gathered there now during the bazaars for the trade talks." She replied, removing her pipe, and pointing it at them both. "Trade with the LMC is the very lifeblood of the entire Kashtano sector, you know. We can't let anybody, and I mean anybody, get in the way of this trade convention!"
"I see."
Realizing that the meeting was coming to an end, Yuri and Cico turned to leave, but were stopped by the sound of Pipra's voice...
Again.
"Oh, and one question. Do you people have any plans to travel to the Large Magellanic Cloud any time soon?" She asked, taking a few steps forward.
"We haven't decided yet, but we've been thinking about it." Yuri answered.
It was true. They hadn't really come to a decision, it had mostly been just talk.
Besides, Yuri had more pressing concerns to worry about...
Like a certain Lugovalian Empire.
"Well, take my advice, boys. Don't do it."
"Why not?"
The old woman barked out a laugh. "Why not? Because you wouldn't be able to handle crossing the Magellanic Stream, that's why not. You'd just end up dying somewhere like two very handsome little dogs." Throwing a sideways nod towards Yuri's friend, she began again. "Your friend... Cico, was it? He might fare a little better than you."
At these words, Cico seemed to stand up straighter, a cocky smile dancing across his face. "You think I could make it, huh?"
"I'd say you've got a fifty-fifty chance." She told him, before turning and thrusting her cane into Yuri's chest. "But this kid over here? Zero percent chance. Definitely wouldn't make it."
He was getting angry now. First Nia. Then Pipra. If one more person said he couldn't make it out in the Magellanic Stream, he was going to start cracking heads...
Literally.
Cico's laugh rang clear through the room, and he threw his head back. "Listen to this old lady! C'mon Yuri. Let's get out of here. Never mind what she says."
Swatting Yuri in the chest, Cico turned to leave, not noticing the small knowing smile that Pipra had sent Yuri's way.
Suddenly realizing that his friend wasn't there anymore, Yuri turned to follow, albeit, a little distracted.
"Huh? Yeah, let's go."
With his head bowed in thought, chin resting on his hand, Yuri never noticed Torlo until he was right beside him...
His voice breaking the silence.
"What's the matter Yuri? You look like you're in a nasty mood."
"Huh? I do? I don't feel that way." He said quickly.
Not buying whatever Yuri was trying, and failing to hide, Torlo just shrugged his shoulders.
When he was ready. He would talk.
"Oh, okay. I just thought it looked like maybe something's been buggin' ya lately. If ya ever wanna talk, y'know, about our feelings 'n' stuff, I'll be right here! You can come to me anytime, day or night!"
"Uh, okay. Thanks Torlo."
With a smile, Torlo continued on, placing the tray on the table, and joining Ian, Tatiana and Kira.
Rhea's thoughtful contemplation drew his attention, and he watched as her face scrunched up in thought.
Leo, unsurprisingly... was no where to be seen.
"What's the matter Rhea?"
Turning to face the young Captain, Rhea finished what was left in her glass, before pushing it to the side.
"Well, I've been taking a look at our voyage recorder like you asked me to. I'm really puzzled by the huge quantity of inflatons that was released when the Dead Gate was restored. And it looks like the speed of light in the Irvest Sector changed when our ship went through the Void Gate."
It wasn't much of an explanation. But Yuri had found, more and more lately, that the scientific jargon spoken by his R&D team, was becoming easier and easier to understand.
"What do you think it means?"
Steepling her fingers, she began thinking aloud... answering Yuri's question in the process.
"Hm... It's almost like a big bang occurred, local to the Irvest Sector. But if that really happened, all traces of the matter in this sector would have disappeared. I suppose it could just be a bug in the voyage recorder, but it sure is strange!"
Hm... I wonder if what she's seeing are the effects of the Phenomena Fluctuation Sector. Yuri wondered to himself, as Rhea pulled out her mobile terminal.
As Rhea wandered off, Yuri found her spot being occupied by Nia, who kicked his foot gently with hers. "Hey, you look pretty glum, chum. What happened at the Trader's Guild?"
Well, I was sexually harassed by an old woman... He thought about saying.
"Am I that easy to read?" He asked.
When it came to Nia, he felt like he could say anything, and not be judged. And when it came to Nia, his words seemed to have a mind of their own sometimes.
"You aren't that good at hiding your emotions kid."
Staying silent as he contemplated on where to start, Yuri eventually decided to explain things from the beginning of their meeting with Pipra.
Once he was done, Nia laughed in amusement.
"She sure laid it out straight for ya, eh?"
"But Pipra's right. Cico's way ahead of me." He added quickly. "In all the battles we've fought since we entered the Magellanic Stream, the only real damage to the enemy was caused by the RUDIANOS."
Nia's face didn't reflect her answer. "Ya noticed that, eh?"
"Yeah. And it really... bothers me."
They'd had this conversation before, but now, things seemed to be a little different. His hint of annoyance and anger seemed directed at one person specifically.
Taking a page out of her own book, Nia realized that one of her previous approaches would work well in this situation.
"The universe is a big place. You're always gonna find somebody who's doin' better than you. From the top-ranked guys' point of view: you're nothing but a kid."
"Yeah, well, I don't mind being outranked by somebody like Valantin or Celina Sioufas." He stated. "But Cico and I are just about the same age..."
Bingo! She found herself shouting internally. Worked like a charm.
"A-ha! Now I get it. So you're jealous, are ya?"
This caught Yuri off guard, and he found himself backpedalling, trying to find something to deny the claim.
"What? No, I... Well yeah, maybe you're right."
Nia let loose another laugh. "That's what I like about you Yuri. Your inability to lie!"
He wasn't sure how to take that.
"Yeah well, go ahead and be jealous, if that's what it takes to make you wanna step up your game. There's nothin' wrong with that!" She started with a calm shrug. "Besides, every spacefarer worth their weight goes through a period or two like that sometime in their lives."
"Thanks Nia." He said with a smile.
He suddenly found himself wondering if she had gone through such a period.
"Now, on a completely different subject..." She said, rubbing her hands together. She took a quick look around, before lowering her voice. "Whaddya say we sneak into that trade convention that old lady was talkin' about?"
"You want to do some kind of business there?" He asked.
That definitely didn't sound like her.
"Hardly!" She said with a wave. "It's a huge trade convention between the two galaxies, right? There'll be all kinds of VIPs from the LMC there. I'm gonna tell those VIPs that the Lugovalian Empire is on its way. That way, they can be ready to send reinforcements when we need 'em."
Now this was definitely starting to sound like a Nia plan.
"Oh. But do you think they'll listen?" He asked suddenly, realizing what she had in mind. "They might react the same way the Elgavan government did, you know."
As he listened to Nia's answer, it seemed she had given this a bit of thought. "They might. I dunno. But we haven't made any headway so far. We gotta try anything and everything we can think of."
He agreed with her fully, and as he nodded, he stood. "You're right. Okay, let's try to come up with a plan then."
Nia smiled brightly, before Yuri headed up to the bar for a drink.
Much as Nia had done to Rhea, Yuri's spot was quickly filled by Gadina.
As she slid into the booth, she spoke. "You're up to something, aren't ya Nia?"
"Huh? What are you talking about?" She said slowly, adopting a look of innocence.
"Don't play all innocent with me! I've worked security for some pretty important people in my day." The former mercenary said with a point of a finger. "I can tell when someone's gonna try and pull something. You've got something up your sleeve for that trade convention, don't ya?"
Nia smiled. There was a reason they got along so well...
They were like two peas in a pod.
"Ooh, those are some powers of observation you've got there Gadina. You frighten me." She said with a mischievous smile.
"Hey, I'm the one that's scared! I don't wanna end up being some kind of wanted criminal all over the Magellanic Stream after you sabotage that trade convention." Gadina added quickly, a hint of worry creeping through.
"Eh, don't worry about it. I'm not that crazy!" She said with a lazy shrug, a flash of a smile, and a reassuring voice.
"You'd better not be!"
As she watched the Trump Mercenary Squadron member leave, Nia smiled to herself.
Oh she intended to get into the trade convention alright... there was no doubt about it. It was just a question of how.
And how to do it without becoming wanted, as Gadina had said.
Yes... she had some planning to do.