With Adorinda Nobelo back on the crew, she had returned to her post as Head Chef. Katida however, was another story.
Due to her age, and her lack in skills, Yuri and Adorinda had agreed that it would be best if she remain under the older woman's care.
At least in this way she would stay out of trouble.
On their journey to Kranio, Yuri found himself in conversation with Nia, explaining the scene he had found himself interrupting at the Scenic Tower.
After doing some digging, they had discovered that certain bazaars in the Kashtano sector, dealt discreetly in black market deals. They had deduced that the black pass which Yuri had acquired from the stranger on the Scenic Tower, was relevant in accessing these black market bazaars.
Upon touchdown on Kranio, Yuri and Nia left the others to go and track down the Black Bazaar, Adorinda and Katida following behind them. After some time, and many stores later, Nia elbowed Yuri, motioning with her head to a run down, and shady looking store in the back.
Approaching the merchant, Yuri showed him the black pass. As if to say follow me, the merchant thrust out his chin... and began to walk.
Following the merchant, he led them into a gloomy, sour-smelling alley behind the bazaar.
"Okay now, whaddya want?" He asked in a drawl. "As long as you got the money, I can get anything for ya. And I mean anything, if ya know what I'm saying."
Well, there's only one thing of interest that you have, which we want. Yuri thought.
"Can you get us some ID's?" Nia questioned.
"IDs?"
"Yeah. If possible, important people ID's." She explained. "Ya know, bigwigs!"
In that moment, Yuri wasn't sure why the nerves suddenly started creeping up, but he found himself interjecting.
"Nia, wait just a minute here. You're not really gonna —"
"Hush Yuri." She whispered with a quick turn of her head. "Well, can ya do it for me or not?
"Yeah, of course I can do it! I told you. I can get you anything. What, do ya have wax in your ears?" He boasted, shaking his head.
"But rich people's ID's...? When you've got status, your ID's are gonna have at least two or three security features on 'em, you know. You won't make it through the door unless you can get me a really good example for me to copy from."
"So you need an example, huh?" Nia said to herself.
"Why don't you use mine then?" Katida cut in, taking out a copy of her ID.
Adorinda fidgeted nervously. She trusted Yuri and Nia, but not this man.
"Miss Lanco?! Do you really think —"
"This is my decision to make. Yuri obviously needs my help here. This should do as a fine example, wouldn't you agree?" She asked him, handing over her ID. "I'll pay your fee, whatever it is. Please have the ID's made up immediately."
The man held the ID loosely, examining it with a trained eye. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke in surprise. "Well, well! A Lanco family ID, eh? That's quite a kicker. Just hang on for a little while."
Standing around, they made small talk while they waited, Miss Nobelo glancing towards the back of the shop every now and then.
Eventually, after thirty minutes, the merchant returned, holding four ID's.
"Here you go. I made them out for members of the extended Lanco family, working for the Lanco Interplanetary Liaison Department." He said with a smile, handing Nia the four ID's. "I won't ask what you're gonna use them for, but I can pretty much guarantee that nobody is gonna find you out with these."
After paying the merchant, and returning to the throngs of people outside, Yuri turned to the Lanco heir.
"Katida, are you sure about this?"
"I already said that this is my decision. It's what I want to do, and I'll do it." She replied confidently. "And besides, it's kind of exciting, like we're spies or something!"
"Well, as long as you're sure... We really appreciate this Katida."
Leo began chewing the mouthful of food that he hadn't even finished, before taking quick gulps of his drink.
Rhea looked on disapprovingly, not that Leo noticed... or he was just ignoring her. "Hm? You people are going out again? In that case, would it be all right if I went out too, and took a look at the bazaars again? I heard they have some new parts in at some of the junk shops."
Yuri smiled. "Sure, go right ahead. As long as you're back before we leave port, I don't see a problem."
Rhea scoffed, drawing their attention. "Yeah, right! That'll never happen."
Yuri threw her a confused look.
"Once this guy enters a junk shop, he's there until somebody kicks him out. He loses all sense of time. He'll never make it back before we ship out!" Rhea said, giving Leo a look.
"Hm. Maybe you'd better go with him then Rhea, to keep an eye on him."
"I was afraid you were going to say that." She groaned.
Sensing that things wouldn't end well, Paulo Marjeno jumped in.
"There's a shuttle ship that runs around the Kashtano sector you know. It's public transportation for people who want to go around to Kranio and Strategio and the like for the bazaars."
"So I suppose that means that we can go wherever we like while Yuri's at the Trade Hall." Ian said, looking at the others.
"Yeah, I guess no matter how hard we try, we'll never look like celebrities. They wouldn't ever let us into that Trade Hall." Torlo teased.
Dropping her elbow onto the table, Nia let her hand fall, pointing lazily at the teen boy. "Hey, c'mon. Don't be jealous! There are plenty of things to see in the Kashtano sector. Have a little fun why don't ya?"
"Yes. I would urge you to do so. Even window shopping can be fun in Kashtano!" Marjeno said in agreement.
"That sounds like fun, I think I'll join you... Leo too."
"What?" Leo asked, only half paying attention. "But I don't want to go!"
"Nia, do you really think the people of the Large Magellanic Cloud will believe our story about the Lugovalian Empire?" Ian asked slyly as the others slowly wandered off.
"We won't know until we try, will we Ian?" She answered. "But unlike the Small Magellanic Cloud, the LMC is used to constant power struggles and sneaky manoeuvring between big-gun nations. They ought to understand it a whole lot better than someplace like Elgava, which is the only big nation in its galaxy. Elgava's had it easy for way too long!"
Yuri found himself nodding.
He hoped he never got like that. Being too complacent and arrogant to believe that anyone could challenge you wasn't a good thing. His adventures, and Nia's world weariness, had made him see that there was a challenge around every corner... a battle much bigger and harder after each short period of rest.
Yuri smiled, and greeted Feodor Kuchin, who was walking past with a beer in his hand.
"Phew. I went around to the various hospitals in the area, but apparently, nobody knows anything here either."
"Knows? Knows anything about what?" Yuri asked.
"About servonin. Ever since I heard about Tatiana's brother, I've been trying to research a cure." The older man explained. "And we never know. Somebody might try to pull something like this again someday too."
"Servonin was developed in the Large Magellanic Cloud, right?" He asked.
"Yes, that's right. It must have been a country that was incredibly advanced in the study of the cranial nervous system. Highly specialized knowledge, I'm afraid. But, nonetheless, I'm not going to give up!" Feodor said with a determined look, before heading off to find a table.
Yes. He thought. An incredible country indeed.
En route to their destination, Yuri realized that Nia wasn't at her station. Leaving his friends to it, he found himself walking back down the ship's hallway, before coming to a stop at Nia's door.
When Nia didn't answer, Yuri made his way inside, finding the woman in question searching through a chest she must have brought up from the DAISY a while ago.
She mumbled to herself, throwing clothes around as she frantically searched for something.
"What's wrong?"
"Hmm?" She said, looking over at him. "Oh. Nothing. Just realized I don't have anything to wear to the party. I think I'd look pretty stupid showing up dressed like this."
Yuri's mind wandered back to the gift he'd gotten her at the White Bazaar on Strategio.
"Wait there!" He called out, disappearing from view.
A few minutes later, and Yuri returned to a confused looking Nia, gift in hand.
"Here! This is for you." Yuri said, setting the plastic box down atop her bed.
"Yuri? What —"
"Just open it and see." He replied.
Frowning, she undid the bow, and lifted off the lid, gasping in surprise. "Yuri! How?"
"Remember when everyone was pestering me about what I bought at the White Bazaar on Strategio?" He asked, receiving a slow nod. "Well the merchant showed me this, and I thought of you straight away. Not that I thought you'd ever wear it."
Nia lifted the dress out, inspecting every inch before holding it up to her body, determining if it would fit.
"It looks like it should fit perfectly." She said with a smile. "Thank you. But you shouldn't have."
Yuri waved this away.
"I've been saying to myself that I needed to find a way to repay you for all that you've done for me." He explained. "Consider this a small contribution to that."
"Repay? You don't need to repay me for anything. I'm your Launcher, after all."
"Just let me do this, please?" He pleaded. "You've done a lot more for me than anyone ever has. And certainly more than your duties as a Launcher."
As they stared at each other, Nia finally gave in.
"Oh fine!" She said suddenly, watching Yuri smile. "Now then, Unless you want to see me getting dressed, and I assure you, I won't have any complaints in the least. You need to leave."
Yuri groaned, closing his eyes as he looked away in embarrassment. Backing away through the door, he could hear Nia call out again.
"Hey! Where are you going?" She called out. "I thought you were going to help.
Yuri was just glad there wasn't anyone around.
"COME ON! JUST A HAND... OR TWO."
Yuri groaned as he made his way back to the bridge, mumbling about Nia and how he would die early from all her teasing.
He didn't mind of course, not really. Who would when you had a gorgeous older woman doing that.
But to Yuri, he did mind.
At first, he hadn't thought much about her. She was beautiful, sure. Funny, smart and cunning. But his mind had been firmly fixed on other things.
As he walked onto the Bridge, his mumbling continued, drawing stares from his crew as he took a seat on the captain's dais.
Staring off, he stayed that way for a while, before turning to Kira. "How far to Zefiro?"
Consulting the navigation report, she responded. "Less than an hour."
He groaned in reply, mumbling about silver-haired witches and time going too slow.
Frowning at the young Captain, Torlo exchanged glances with the others. "What's zat?"
Realizing he was making a bit of a scene, Yuri looked up to see everyone watching him. Turning to check the reports from the various departments, he replied quickly to Torlo's question.
"Nothing."
Back inside Nia's room, she found herself inside her quarter's ensuite, examining herself in the mirror. She was glad that her quarter's came with a bathroom, she didn't need anyone from the crew seeing her this way.
How mortifying. She found herself thinking with a shiver.
The dress was a perfect fit it. The way it sat. The way it accentuated her curves. It was perfect... she had no complaints.
She found herself feeling things she hadn't in a while; old memories of a life that had long since passed, coming to the forefront of her mind.
She sifted through old memories. Days of a simpler time, and a simpler life. No worries. She even remembered how she had loved to wear dresses, but back then, that was something that her personality was like.
Like Katida. She thought, noting the similarities between herself and the young girl.
It had changed so suddenly though, and she had found herself building a new personality, a new name, a new life.
One riddled with danger and pirates. Of alcohol and lecherous, old men. Not frilly dresses and responsibilities.
Just survival. Tough and ruthless.
She shook those morbid thoughts out of her mind. Looking down at the assortment of make-up she had strung across the ensuite's benchtop... she scowled.
While she did collect make-up, it didn't mean she liked getting dolled up for a party like this.
She spent a good while perfecting how she wanted to look. She didn't want to look too over the top, but then again, in a dress like the one she was wearing, there was bound to be some stares.
She scowled again. I can't even hit anyone this time.
Applying the finishing touches, she examined herself in the mirror.
It felt weird.
Even after so long, her body, and her mind fell into that same routine it had all those years ago.
Picking up the glossy pink lipstick, she applied it, before shooting her reflection a smile.
"Bigwigs and grubby old men, here I come!"
He fidgeted again, looking down at his bodysuit as he waited with Cico outside the Trade Hall dome.
It hadn't taken long to round up the other teen, and after checking in with Katida, they had gone on ahead.
He paced up and down the sidewalk in front of Cico, glancing up every now and again to watch all the aircars arriving.
As he made a pass, he felt Cico slap his arm, and upon following his friend's gaze... stopped dead in his tracks.
"Wow!"
"Whaddya think? Not too shabby, eh?" Nia asked the two stunned boys.
They shook their heads, and Yuri found himself staring open mouthed at his oldest friend.
The fancy dress he had gotten Nia fit her better than nothing else ever could. Light pink in make, with a darker pink pattern, and a red sash around the waist. The dress was strapless, and she wore long, white gloves on her arms.
She had finished it off by doing up her hair elegantly, held up by a wonderfully designed subtle tiara that she had woven into her hair.
He couldn't speak. Couldn't breath.
He just wanted to stand there and stare at her.
"What's the matter Kiddo? can't get over my stunning good looks?" She asked in question to his silence.
Somehow managing to shake his thoughts away, he looked embarrassed as he answered.
"Oh, uh... I was just thinking about how much a person can transform if they have the right outfit. It's kind of scary."
Nia barked out a quick laugh. "Well, with our ID's and if we're dressed like this, we shouldn't have any trouble getting in there."
"So, just like we said, the four ID's will be used by you, Katida, Cico and me." She told them, dishing out the other two ID's to the two teen boys.
"Right. You boys will go as our bodyguards. It's kind of a stretch, but at least it explains why you're dressed that way." Nia explained. "Once we're inside, we split up and search for some LMC bigwigs that look like they might maybe listen to reason. Everybody got it?"
"Got it."
"Okay, then." Nia started, before turning to face the security checkpoint. She cleared her throat, before holding out her hand towards the silver-haired boy. "Ahem. Shall we proceed then? Master Yuri, if you would be so kind as to escort me?"
It was as if he didn't hear her the first time, or it was more of a delayed response, but eventually, he perked up. "Huh? Oh... yeah."
Nia chuckled to herself, as Yuri bent his arm at the elbow, holding his hand against his side. Placing her hand in the crook of his left arm, they walked together towards the checkpoint... Cico and Katida following closely behind.
Nia smiled internally at Yuri's awkward fumbling, as a hint of a blush crept into his cheeks.
Approaching the security gate, the two forked over their ID's, Nia initiating some playful flirting with the guards, who all seemed distracted by her.
They got through no problem, and as they walked up the long drive towards the hall, statues and hedges lining either side. Nia then glanced over at her escort.
The blushing had stopped, but he was trying hard not to look at her, knowing it would be hard to pull away.
She really was beautiful. How come I didn't really notice before?
With his mind fumbling over itself, he looked over at her, before saying the first thing that came to mind. "You look good."
Nia smiled at Yuri's compliment, before leaning in to whisper in his ear; breath hot on his neck.
"Well if you think I look good now, just wait and see how good I look when the dress comes off."
Yuri groaned, shuffling awkwardly as the blush began to return in full force. He stiffened. I won't be able to get that picture out of my head anytime soon.
She smiled in her success, laughing to herself.
Oh why are you so fun to tease?
Stepping into the lavishly decorated hall, the foursome drew many stares from the other occupants. Soon, Yuri found himself being pushed aside as Katida and Nia were quickly swarmed by the various predatory young men.
"Ah, what beautiful young ladies! Just as one would expect from the distinguished Lanco family." One started, standing a little too close to Nia.
With a lecherous grin, and a more than creepy look, a second spoke. "I would like to invite you both to take a cruise on my private ship later."
Yuri noticed that, Nia especially, was receiving the admiration of the many interested men, as she played the part of the refined young lady perfectly.
Watching and assessing the situation, Yuri began to think to himself.*It doesn't look like Nia will be able to get herself out of this for a while. I'd better go by myself and find someone who'd be willing to listen.*
Turning to Cico, he found the space beside him empty... the other teen already having disappeared.
Yuri shrugged his shoulders, before heading off through the crowd.
Lifting a flute of champagne off a server carrying a silver tray, Cico began to sip lightly as he made his way through the hall.
Taking up a position where he was able to get a good view of most of the people, he let the sounds of conversation and laughter drown away... replaced by the thumping of his beating heart.
He let his trained eyes pass over each person, choosing which one would be best suited for a conversation. Most of them looked like stuck up snobs, but then, he felt someone draw even with him, flashing him a smile.
"I know that look." He began, taking a sip of alcohol. "I've been to many a gathering like this... not that I particularly enjoy them."
Cico watched the man look out at the others with a disapproving sneer.
"I may not enjoy their company, or the fact that any one of them could hold even a decent conversation..."
"So what are you here for?" Cico asked.
"Business... of a sort."
Cico found himself smiling as he struck up a conversation with this stranger he'd never met.
He'd never expected to meet someone like this here.
"You're not really a member of the Lanco family, are you?"
Walking through the crowd, the question that had been directed at Yuri, had come from an old man in blue.
The dull blue clothes had aqua spiralled patterns, and his beard grew into a long point at his chin... long white hair hanging down his back.
"What?"
The man sent a sneer his way. "I happen to know the Lanco family very well, including all of its extended branches."
He looked Yuri up and down, not so much studying him, but taking in and remembering his appearance.
"And I don't recall ever seeing a young ruffian like you among its members."
"Oh, well I..." Yuri began to stammer, but was quickly cut off by the man's glare.
"I don't know what you're up to young man, but you'd better not get in the way of our business negotiations!"
He started replying, the old man giving him a stern look, before walking away.
He's not going to report me? He wondered, watching him disappear.
"What's the matter with you?!"
The voice began, half-shouting from beside him, and he turned to find a blonde woman scolding her attendant.
I'd better not try to talk to this one right now. He thought, walking through the crowd again.
He continued, unknown faces passing him by as he walked on, eventually making his way to the food table. He stared with a slightly open mouth, salivating over the delicious looking things piled up.
Pretty quickly, a man joined him, picking at several dishes as he filled up his plate. "Well, well! So you're members of the extended Lanco family, are you?"
He shot Yuri a smile, medium length, brown hair styled neatly, red and cream robes ironed and perfect. Downing the last of his champagne, he placed the empty flute atop the table, extending a free hand under his plate, introducing himself.
"I'm Michjo Kompaso. My Kompaso Corporation is thinking about exporting to the Small Magellanic Cloud in the future. I hope the Elgavan Central government will quickly reconsider its stance on the exchange rate agreement."
"Uh huh, right." Yuri responded, unsure of what to say.
Michjo Kompaso moaned and groaned in delight, as he began picking at the assortment of foods on his plate... almost forgetting Yuri was there.
"By the way, how is the president of Lanco Warship Manufacturing doing? I heard he was starting a campaign of exchange between Nova Nacio and Kalymnos."
"Yes, that's right. He sent his granddaughter, Katida Lanco, to Kalymnos recently."
Kompaso smiled, though he wasn't sure if it was because of Yuri's answer, or the food.
"What a fine, upstanding young lady she is, involved in international politics like that from such a young age! Yes indeed! I'm very impressed!"
Walking off, both hands now full, Yuri watched him disappear.
How Interesting.
From his position, he suddenly noticed that, in a corner of the hall, Cico was talking to a man dressed in black, his military stance obvious. The conversation that they were having must have been very interesting, as Cico appeared to be listening with rapt attention.
The closer he got, the more Yuri was able to observe of the man.
He looked to be in his late 20's to early 30's, a black and dark green uniform sitting neatly on his lean frame. His dark brown hair hung in a loose ponytail that hung down his back, and a golden medal pinned over his left breast... a gold chain attached in a loop from his chest to his shoulder.
"Hi Cico. Who's this?"
"Oh, hey Yuri. You've got perfect timing. We were just talking about you." Cico replied with a smile.
"So you're Yuri, are you?" The man asked. "My name is Bastian Schneizer, and I'm a Captain of the Royal Fleet of the Republic of Regeinland."
"Regeinland, sir?"
"Regeinland's one of the most powerful military nations in the LMC. It's known for its great military officers." Cico explained, noticing Yuri's confusion. "The Captain was just telling me a little about navigation and leading fleets and stuff. I'm really learning a lot!"
Bastian laughed, waving away the compliment. "Oh, you flatter me. So I hear you two are trying to work your way up in the rankings. Is that right?"
"Yes, we're traveling together now, but we're really more like..."
"Like rivals, eh?" Bastian finished.
Yuri rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, I guess that just about sums it up."
"What do you think, Captain Schneizer? In your opinion, which of us two would make a better captain?"
Yuri looked to Cico on his left. "Cico!"
"Hey! When will we get the chance to hear the opinion of a brilliant officer like this again? Don't you wanna know too?" Cico asked him.
Yuri closed his mouth quickly, looking down guiltily for a quick second. He couldn't disagree with him. "Yeah, I guess I am a little curious."
The Regeinlandic Captain let out a thoughtful hmm, stroking his chin. "That is a very difficult question. But based on what you've told me so far, suppose I'd have to say..."
He drifted off, and the two young captains watched him expectantly in silence.
"Yuri would make a better captain." He answered after a time.
"What?! Get outta here!"
"Me?!" Yuri asked, more than a little confused at the answer.
"Of course, I can only judge based on your situation at the moment, and all that you've told me just now." Bastian casually answered, taking another sip of wine.
Yuri looked over at the now silent Cico, before turning back to the Regeinlandic Captain.
"Why me?"
The older man's head titled slightly to one side before he spoke. "Well, it sounds like Yuri's relationship with his crew is one of trust and reliance. Whereas Cico, at the moment, only seems to think of his crew as personnel to run his ship. That's the main difference I see." He straightened, throwing a brief glance in Cico's direction. "The effective management of a ship requires a large number of people working together in cooperation. A ship run on the strength of only its captain doesn't pose much of a threat to the enemy I'm afraid."
Yuri waited, contemplating the explanation before a chuckle escaped Cico's lips.
"Ha... ha ha ha ha! Well, I guess that's one way of lookin' at it. Thanks for your opinion man!"
Noticing the look on his friend's face, and the way he spoke, Yuri tried saying something.
"Hey, Cico..."
"I gotta get some air. 'Scuse me. I must be tired or something."
But he wasn't having a bar of it.
"Hey, Cico!"
Yuri called after the other teen, but it fell on deaf ears.
He watched Cico turn his back to them, before disappearing into the garden outside with a wave of his hand.
He wasn't surprised at Cico's reaction, but then again, he was. He had always felt like Cico thought just a little too highly of himself. Always thought he was better than everyone else. He wasn't sure why though... he hadn't the faintest idea.
"I'm afraid I hurt the young man's feelings. I'm terribly sorry about that." Bastian apologized. "We Regeinlanders have a habit of expressing ourselves rather bluntly at times."
"No, not at all. I'm sorry about Cico." Tilting his head in thought, he found himself studying the man.
This might be a good person to talk to.
"Captain Schneizer?" He asked suddenly.
"Yes, Yuri?"
"There's somebody I'd like you to meet."
Bastian let out a thoughtful noise as he listened to Yuri, before following the young man towards the garden outside...
" ...and that's the whole story. I have a copy here of the data that was recovered."
After leading Bastian through the hall, the two had found Nia out in the gardens, opting for some fresh air.
She hated events like this. The snobbish, stuck-up people. The lecherous old men, and the beating of chests between supposed alpha males...
It drove her mad.
Finishing the last remnants of wine in her flute, she heard a voice from behind.
"Nia."
Whirling around, she found herself face to face with Yuri, who stopped briefly at the look on her face. The teen's head tilted to one side, throwing her a curious look, the meaning behind it very clear.
Are you okay?
She found herself subtly responding in kind, letting him know that they'd talk about things later.
Though in actual fact, she hoped never to have to bring up this night again. She felt like a bath in acid wouldn't even get rid of the feeling of the stares.
Yuri had quickly introduced Bastian Schneizer, Captain of the Republic of Regeinland.
Nia soon found herself explaining to the Captain just why they were at the hall. It was a long explanation, and at times, she found herself doubting the story.
At the end though, she watched the Captain reflecting on all he had heard, arms crossed, mouth frowning in thought.
"And are the Central Elgavan Forces acting on this?" He asked after a time.
Nia exchanged a look with Yuri. "Well, in their own way... they're seriously underestimating the threat, though."
Bastian nodded, as if expecting this. "Yes, I agree that, if what you're telling me is true, underestimating this enemy would be very dangerous indeed. Could you tell me how you know so much about this Lugovalian Empire?"
Ah yes, the million dollar question. "Well... I don't..."
"Oh, that's quite all right. I'm well-mannered enough to know not to press a lady when she doesn't want to talk about something." Bastian answered with a small smile. "Not even a Regeinlandic soldier would be so brutish."
"So, do you believe us Captain?"
That was the question that had been stuck in her head all night too.*How will you answer I wonder... Captain Schneizer?*
"I don't think it should be a matter of whether I believe you or not. When a person talks about belief, personal opinion, biases and agendas are always involved." He began, holding up both hands to explain. "No, I think this should be a matter for objectivity. I want to have this data analysed and find out the truth for myself."
Nia smiled internally. At least it was better than nothing. And at least he sounded like he knew what he was talking about.
"That's fine with me. Here, I'll give you this copy, and you can have it thoroughly checked out yourself, if you want." She replied, handing him the data chip.
"All right. Thank you. I appreciate it. If this Lugovalian Empire is as you describe it, I imagine it will pose a very large threat to the LMC as well." He answered, stashing the data chip away for safe keeping.
"I'm sorry to say that you're probably exactly right."
"I will have this data thoroughly analysed as soon as I return to Regeinland. You have my word on that." He promised.
Nia exchanged another look with Yuri, and they smiled, hopeful that the Republic of Regeinland wouldn't have a rose coloured view on the coming threat.
Watching Bastian's retreating form, the silence was broken by the sound of the blonde woman yelling again.
"Come on... I've had enough of this place for a lifetime." Nia said, heading back towards the gate.
"I don't blame you." He responded.
They said goodbye to the guards on their way out, a skycar already waiting... ready to take them back to the spaceport.
After leaving the Trade hall, and returning to the FLAKRUNNER, Nia had taken the time to have a shower and get changed.
Entering the tavern, Katida spotted them, her smile brightening, and her gaze turned curious. "How did it go? Any luck?"
"I don't know how it's going to turn out, but I did everything I could." Yuri replied.
"I think it went well. Now we'd better get Katida back to her grandpa, pronto."
"I still want to travel with you guys." The Lanco heir added.
"Katida, we talked about this..."
Katida sighed, eyes rolling "I know, I know. But you can't blame a girl for trying!"
Listening in on the conversation, Adorinda Nobelo chimed in. "Miss Lanco, when we get back to Nova Nacio, you'll have to get caught up on your studies. And you've fallen behind in your lessons on culture and etiquette too."
"But I don't want to go home!" She complained.
The older woman put on a stern look, before replying. "Miss Lanco, the Captain isn't here to chauffeur you around you know. He was on his way to the Large Magellanic Cloud, but he's being nice enough to take you home first."
"Don't you think I know that?! Geez, you're so uptight Miss Nobelo! No wonder you don't have a boyfriend!" Katida answered hotly, not taking well to the lecture.
Nia almost choked to death as she tried holding back her laughter.
"Well I never!" Nobelo said in shock.
As the two women argued, Sceptro, who had been listening in from the fringes of the group, came over behind Yuri and Nia.
"Hey, how much of a serious big shot is this Katida Lanco gal anyway? I mean, she's still just a kid, right?"
Nia turned her head as she spoke. "Well, the Lanco family bears the burden of most of the economy of Nova Nacio... maybe even the entire Small Magellanic Cloud. And someday, Katida is gonna inherit Jozefo Lanco's Empire."
Sceptro let out a long, low whistle. "Hey, maybe now's my chance eh? Maybe I oughta go after her!"
"Sceptro, don't even think about it! Our job is to deliver her back home, safe!" Yuri said firmly.
"That's right! You better not try anything stupid, unless you want a Lanco hit man after you."
Nia's reply seemed to scare him a little, and he backed away slowly, arms raised. "Yikes. On second thought, maybe not eh?"
"Tsk."
The noise that came from Cico drew Yuri's attention who turned to question the boy.
"Cico?"
Still not in the best mood since Bastian Schneizer's decision, Cico glared at the silver-haired boy.
"Huh? What do you want?"
"Uh, nothing." He said quickly, watching him walk off.
Maybe I'd better leave him alone. Yuri thought, leaving to grab himself another drink.
On the way back, he found himself sitting at a table with Kira, Nia, Tatiana and Ian... the latter of whom, spoke first... addressing Yuri.
"Yuri, have you been to the Red Bazaar on Kranio yet? They were selling quite a number of good blueprints there, if I'm not mistaken. Perhaps you should check it out if you haven't done so already."
It actually wasn't a bad idea. He had to admit.
"Okay, good idea Ian. If there's anything you guys want, now's the time to buy it. Just tell me which planet you want to go to, and I'll take you there." Yuri told the group.
"Ooh, I want to go to another beauty spa!"
"I already found a necklace to go with that dress you bought me at the Blue Bazaar..."
"I'd like to go look for some more fresh ingredients for cooking."
The group all began listing off things they wanted to buy, and places they wanted to go.
Yuri found his head spinning.
It sounds like we might be stuck here shopping for a while...
Stalking up the hallway of his ship, Bastian held the small data chip aloft in one hand. He missed the salutes from the crew, so focused on the chip he had been given by his two newest acquaintances.
When the bridge doors slid open, he walked over to his place at the front of the room, putting the item away.
There'd be time for an analysis later. As of right now, he had to make his way home.
Turning to his crew he called out.
"Prepare for take-off!"
Upon landing on Kranio, Yuri and Nia decided go check out the Red Bazaar. After offering up the pass he had received from Pipra, the two were led into the shop, where the merchant had welcomed them.
First, they bought ship blueprints for the Daphne and Kolonio carriers, Chloris and Kamarado cruisers, and the Admiralo destroyer... all for 691G.
Next, they cleaned out all eight modules and two fighter blueprints, worth 369G.
Yuri was happy, having spent a good deal of money on purchasing everything inside, courtesy of his high fame.
Something that had pleased him greatly.
Despite this though, he had held off on refitting his ships, opting for waiting till they returned Katida home.
And as they set off from the spaceport, Yuri did just that... leading the small ragtag fleet towards the Void Gate.
Leaving the Kashtano sector behind them, Flakrunner in the lead, Yuri watched as the fierce orange glow of the massive star ahead shone into the bridge.
"All right, we're going to be passing by Vasta again. Set shield output to –"
He was cut off suddenly, Cico's voice ringing out across the speakers.
"Hey! Hey Yuri!"
"Oh, hi Cico. Where have you been?" Yuri asked.
He'd barely seen hide nor hair of him since the party.
"What do ya mean, where have I been?! Where do you think you're going?!" He asked, voice almost angry.
"We have to take Katida Lanco back to Nova Nacio."
"Oh yeah, right! You're not fooling me! I'm coming over, so stop the ship!"
The speakers cut off, and Torlo turned to face the Captain.
"What's the matter with Cico?"
"He sounds... mad..." Kira added.
"Pull up alongside the RUDIANOS. I'll go wait for him in the pressure chamber.
"Wait! I'm going with you!" His sister called out, rushing after him.
The two made their way to the pressure chamber, waiting while the ships came to a stop beside each other. As the hissing and clicking of the docking tubes echoed throughout the room, the two siblings stood in contemplative silence.
Soon, the pressure room door had opened, revealing a stone faced Cico.
"Cico, what's the matter –"
Faster than he could react, Cico decked Yuri... fist lashing out at lightning speed.
Yuri groaned in shock as he stumbled back in surprise. "Agh! Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
"You coward! What did you do, lose your nerve?!"
"Huh?"
"What do you mean you're going back?" Cico asked in anger. "I thought you were gonna go on to the LMC with me!"
"Take it easy Cico! I'm just going to take Katida home!" Yuri tried, raising his hands to calm the situation down.
"So that's the way you really feel, huh?"
"What the Grus are you talking about?" Yuri was confused more than he'd ever been before, and it showed on his face.
Cico didn't seem to buy it though.
"I thought you wanted to go to faraway planets, work your way up in the ranks, just like me! What, did the enemies in this sector scare you off or something?" He asked with a sneer. "Is that why you're making up lame excuses and sneaking off home?!"
Yuri wasn't sure what his deal was, but his temper was beginning to rise.
"Cico! I'm trying to keep calm, but if you keep talking trash like that –"
"What are you gonna do, draw on me? Huh?! You're nothing but a weak-kneed coward Yuri! No wonder Pipra said what she did! She saw right through you, you gutless wimp!" Cico spat.
"CICO, ENOUGH!"
He didn't know how it happened, but his arms seemed to move on their own... drawing his sword.
Moments later, he and Cico were locked together, blades scraping and grinding against as they glared daggers at each other.
He didn't hear Kira's pleas, which fell on deaf ears. He didn't see Nia walk in, getting the surprise of her life.
Cico had insulted him. His pride injured. He wasn't going to take that lying down...
Not by a long shot.
Cico grunted in effort as he tried pushing Yuri back. He was surprised at how strong he was... for being so scrawny.
He wasn't a match for him though...
No one was.
"Ngh... Do you really think you got a chance in Grus at beating me?!"
"You really got to work on that attitude Cico! You look down on everybody around you!" Yuri shot back.
"Oh yeah, right! Like you didn't look down on me after what Captain Schneizer said!" Cico replied through gritted teeth.
"WHAT?! Of course I didn't!"
"I saw it in your face! You felt sorry for me!"
If that's the way it's going to go... then two can play at this game.
"Well, what about you?! When Pipra was saying all that stuff, you had a look of total superiority on your face! You've had that attitude ever since we got to the Magellanic Stream!" Yuri began suddenly. "You didn't think I could hold my own! You thought you had to help me out in battle, didn't you?"
"Well it's true, ain't it? You twisted, sister-complex sicko! What are you doing? Trying to act all tough in front of Kira?!" Cico asked.
"What?! You're just making up that crap because Kira doesn't want to have anything to do with you!" He half shouted.
This seemed to touch a nerve, and Cico's face flushed red with anger... fist gripping his sword's handle tighter.
"Wh-Why-you! WHY YOU SON OF A –!"
Cico grunted, pushing Yuri's blade aside as he elbowed the silver-haired boy in the chest, before knocking him to the floor with a painful thud.
He groaned suddenly, before pushing down the pain. He couldn't show any weakness.
Not in front of Kira. And especially not in front of Cico.
"Yuri!" He heard his sister call, rushing over to help him up.
He brushed her away though.
"I-I'm okay..."
Looking across the room, he found Cico's back to him, clicking his tongue in disgust.
"Tsk! I was all ready to go! I was ready to go anywhere with you! ... But you can forget about that now!"
Soon, Cico had returned to his ship, and then, he was sure the RUDIANOS had blasted away. Ignoring Kira, Nia, and his fallen blade, he found himself returning to the bridge, climbing the dais.
His crew turned as he entered, speaking at once.
"Yuri!"
"What happened? The RUDIANOS is leaving!"
"Let it leave." He answered.
He couldn't care less about Cico. He didn't need his help.
He could get by just fine on his own.
"But –"
"LET IT LEAVE!" He shouted.
"Hey... What are you getting mad at me for?!" Tatiana asked.
He wasn't even sure.
Yuri remained silent as he dropped into his chair, ignoring them.
Nia and Kira came in then, to many confused and curious looks, which Nia waved away.
Ordering the fleet onwards towards the Void Gate, she looked back at Yuri. His pride had obviously been injured. There was no doubt about that.
She had known that there was some tension between them, though found herself wondering just what it was that had set everything off.
And as her mind ran through the events of the last few days, she found herself coming to the conclusion that whatever it was, must have taken place at the Trade Hall.
What in Grus had happened?
Holding up the Epitaph in one hand, he began to think.
It was funny how simplistic it was. Simplistic... yet oh so beautiful.
It wasn't too flashy, it didn't really stand out, it sort of blended in with the ruins in which it had made its home.
The black of the navigation room enveloped him completely. The only signs of his presence were his breathing... and his deep brown eyes.
The blue of the consoles shone brilliantly, giving the Epitaph in his hands a strange, otherworldly glow.
How ironic. He wondered.
He faintly heard the patter of footsteps, before Aloiza walked into the room, eyes locking onto the form of the infamous pirate captain.
"Hmm?" He ground out, acknowledging her presence, but not looking at her.
"We've been keeping tabs on the kid's fleet, just like you said." She began. "It seems that they've said goodbye to the Kashtano sector."
Valantin snorted. 'Like that was really a surprise."
Aloiza smiled in response. "True. But it seems they're on their own now. His ally has left him behind in the Magellanic Stream."
That was something he wasn't expecting. At least, not yet anyway.
"Really? Well that changes things." He said with a smile. "Then his next moments will be critical in determining his role in the coming war."
His First Mate frowned in confusion. "So... is he the one then? The one we've been looking for?"
"Well... we'll just have to wait and see." He answered. "Won't we."
That reply didn't seem to satisfy her though... and she found herself speaking again. "Do you think he'll live long enough to make it through then?"
Finally moving his gaze from the Epitaph, the pair locked eyes for the first time since the conversation started. "With the weight of an entire galaxy pulling him under, he'll have no choice but to sink or swim."
He trailed off, putting the Epitaph away for the moment.
"Do you think he'll be strong enough to do what he needs to?"
"He better." Valantin grunted, rising from his seat.
Realizing that the Captain had exhausted his replies, Aloiza left the room, leaving the pirate alone again, bathed in black.
He couldn't believe how many years it had been, tracking down his target. Tracking the one person that held the key in the palm of their hand.
If that kid really is the one... He thought. Well. I've invested too much time in him not to make it.
Glancing down at the map of the sector, he listened to the hum of the machines, the clicking of the instruments.
You better put on a good show... Yuri.
After half a dozen long, drawn out battles which were completely one-sided; thanks to the loss of the RUDIANOS... Kira's announcement that they'd passed Vasta, was met with sighs of relief by the crew.
"We managed to get past the Vasta."
"Deploy all heat-radiation plates. Return shield output to normal." Yuri ordered.
"Roger."
He felt pain shoot through his body suddenly, and he hissed to himself... though not quiet enough.
"Are you okay? Did Cico really hurt you?" Kira asked quickly.
Without looking at her, Yuri replied. "No, I'm fine. Just keep an eye out for debris. We don't want those heat plates to get damaged."
Not really believing him, but not really wanting to seem too pushy, Kira relented.
"All right."
Meanwhile, back in the Trader's Guild of Kashtano...
Cico stalked into the room silently, sneer etched onto his face as Pipra smiled at him.
"What's this? You couldn't stay away, could you?" She teased.
"I'm going on to the Large Magellanic Cloud. By myself. I gotta pick up a few things first though." He said in a no nonsense tone.
"Oh, really? Well, this ought to get interesting! Heh heh heh!" She said, more to herself, eyebrows raised.
"Huh?"
"Don't know if you know this or not, but there's a certain fellow that has it in for you." She answered.
A look of confusion passed over his face as Cico wondered what she was talkin about, before he remembered. "Huh? Oh, don't tell me you're talkin' about that slithering creep Oisin!"
Pipra smiled, pleased that he had remembered.
It just wouldn't be fun if he hadn't.
"Yes, yes. That's the one. He came here. Wanted me to tell him where you were." She replied, studying the teen. "I told him you were headed for Nova Nacio."
"What?! What did you do that for?!"
Why he was so surprised, she wasn't sure.
Pipra cackled. "Now, don't get your feathers all in a ruffle. He offered me a good chunk of G. Who was I to say no to that?" She explained. "Besides, how was I supposed to know you were coming back alone? He's probably chasing after that Yuri kid's ship as we speak. Heh heh heh heh heh!"
She was so caught up in her laughter, that she didn't see the anger on the teenager's face.
"YOU STUPID OLD HAG!" He shouted.
His fist connected with her face, and Pipra found her laughter being cut off by a shriek of pain as she fell to the floor.
"If you weren't an old woman, I'd cut you right now!" He called back to her as he left.
Pipra screamed as he ran out, her security turning up too late to stop him.
"Huh?" Kira's confusion was heard by Torlo, who turned around in his seat.
"What's the matter Kira?"
"It was just a flash, but I thought I got a guide beacon reading. Here, take a look Nia."
Coming to a stop behind the girl, Nia bent down to examine the screen, eyes squinting. "Yup, you're right. I see it here on record too. Maybe there's a port nearby.
"There's nothing like that on the charts though." Torlo added.
Nia nodded, turning to impart her knowledge and wisdom on the younger crewmembers. "Those charts aren't very reliable when it comes to the frontier like this. You're better off believin' what ya actually see."
"If there is a port, that would be great. We've been traveling for a while, and everybody's tired." Yuri said.
"I can get a general read on the direction. Should we look for it?" Kira asked.
"Hm... yeah, let's look for it."
Sometime later, and after almost an hour of searching, Yuri sat down in his seat dejectedly.
"I can't find it."
"Should we really be spending all this time looking for it?"
He had a point.
Should they?
He was about to decide, when Kira called his name. "Yuri!"
"Did you find it?" He asked, perking up a little.
"Yes. It's a little planet out towards Z-224. And I'm definitely getting a guide beacon reading." She said with a smile.
Nia, head tilted to one side in thought, spoke. "Huh. Hey Kira, look up that sector in the old chart data."
"All right." There was a pause as she waited for the information to come through. "Oh, look at this!"
"That's the one. Colonization planet L-33376." She said quickly, pointing to the screen. "It was abandoned 120 years ago when the contagious disease Emprus broke out and spread like wildfire."
"Do you think the spaceport still works?" Yuri asked, joining Nia at his sister's side.
"Well, the CTA is all run on AI. Once a spaceport is set up, it can pretty much just keep running on its own forever."
"Then I guess we ought to be able to land and check it out." He said with a grin.
With the ships docked at the spaceport for repairs, Yuri and Nia led a small team to check out the spaceport itself.
"It's pretty run-down, but it looks like the facilities here are still running on AI." Torlo said, head darting around as he studied the corridor.
"Huh? The orbital elevator doesn't work." Tatiana announced, trying to activate the controls without success.
"That's just fine by me! I mean, who wants to visit a place chock full of a contagious disease?" Torlo said with a shiver.
Ian shook his head, adding. "But they found a cure for the disease that broke out here a long time ago. Emprus, it was called."
Torlo gave a shrug. "But that doesn't change the fact that it's just plain creepy. Besides, now it's just a ghost town, right?"
"Yes, that is true."
There wasn't any argument from anyone else either, as they headed back for the ships.
A little while later, Yuri's fleet found themselves barrelling up the starlane towards the Void Gate.
Despite lacking the firepower of the RUDIANOS, they found themselves not faring too badly against the lone ships that seemed to pop up sporadically.
Soon though, Yuri heard Kira's sudden cry.
"Huh?!" She said, before letting out a strangled noise. "Yuri, there's a large ship ahead! It's preparing to attack!"
"What type of ship is it?" He found himself asking.
"I don't know. I'm not getting any data on it."
Between one moment and the next, the communications alarm was sounding, and Yuri found himself face-to-face with a very familiar man.
"Hee hee hee! Looks like I found you at last, Cico my dear."
"Huh?! You!" Yuri replied, recognising him
The man's grin disappeared, and his eyes narrowed. "Oh my! You aren't Cico, are you? So he's working for you now, is he?"
"Huh? What are you talking about? Cico is–"
"Torlo!"
He wasn't sure why, but he found himself cutting Torlo off from revealing Cico's whereabouts...
The boy in question throwing him a confused look in the process.
"Whatever. In any case, Cico is somewhere on your ship, I'm sure of it." The stranger interrupted, tiring of the conversation. "Too much of a bother to look for him, so I'll just wipe you all out instead.
"He cut us off."
"Yuri, why didn't you just tell him Cico's not here man?" Torlo questioned.
"That guy came all this way from Zefiro looking for Cico. We can't just let him go. We have to take care of him here!"
"Yuri, the enemy has launched something!" Kira announced, directing everyones attention to the viewport.
In the distance, their strange enemy's even stranger ship, began spitting out missiles from its sides. As they drew closer, the crew watched as the missiles split, revealing themselves as cluster warheads, which began scattering around the battlefield...
Coming ever closer.
It wasn't over though, as they broke up again into what looked like mines, littering the space around Yuri's fleet...
Trapping them in the process.
"What in the...?!"
Nia's tongue clicked. "Tsk! Mobile mines!"
"Mobile mines?"
"Yeah, they took unmanned fighters and remade 'em into mines that attack by seeking out the enemy's inflation emissions." She explained, sounding half impressed. "And if we bump into one of 'em by accident, it'll blow that way too. Nasty little buggers."
"So we can't even move?" Ian asked.
"That's right. We just gotta shoot them down!" Nia nodded.
Determination blazing in his eyes, Yuri's voice filled with confidence. "Got it. All hands, prepare for anti-air combat!"
As they sat there, unmoving, the anti-air guns burst to life bringing down the mines around them... and they too were being targeted by the enemy's main guns in the process.
Their enemy's attacks slammed into the hulls of all three ships, which shuddered and groaned under the firepower.
Much later than expected, the mines were clear, and Yuri found himself sighing in relief.
"Good! We'll have all the mines cleared away in just a little while!"
"Yuri! The enemy is getting ready to fire again. More mines!" Kira informed them.
"SELENIA! WAIT!"
Ogar's voice broke their concentration, and Yuri watched as the woman in question cursed. She had obviously pushed the MISUNDERSTOOD forward, and in a flash, found herself surrounded by more mines.
Yuri felt his heart lurch in his throat, and heard the deafening silence as they all stared in horror as the MISUNDERSTOOD struggled to stop its momentum.
But it was too late.
There was a flash of white as the closest mine connected, setting off a chain reaction. Selenia and her ship were temporarily hidden from view, and he could hear Ogar's voice over the comm.
Nia reached over, activating Yuri's end of the com.
"Ogar, calm down!" Nia said quickly. "Don't do anything stupid. We're still caught in a minefield here. If you move, we'll meet the same fate."
Yuri watched as more cluster warheads headed their way. It was then that Yuri realized, Nia wasn't just trying to calm Ogar down.
The rest of the command crew were just as worried.
"There's no end to 'em!"
"Damn! He's just going to keep at it!" Yuri said to himself, watching as the enemy continued to spew forth more cluster warhead missiles.
Just before the missiles were about to release the mines again, one of them exploded, starting a chain effect that annihilated the rest, and freeing Yuri's fleet.
With a smile on his face, Oisin watched in glee as one of the ships exploded, and he laughed.
One down, two to go.
It wasn't like he expected anything different. The cluster warheads were a crutch, a staple of his arsenal. No one had beaten him yet, and no one ever would... of that he was sure.
Then, the next wave exploded, and he frowned. "Hm? What's this?!"
His ship shook as its hull absorbed the incoming laserfire, knocking him down in the process.
He stumbled back to his feet, speaking to no one in particular. "I've been hit? So, he has backup, does he?"
"Captain, we're receiving an incoming transmission." An operator called to him. "Sending to holo projector."
"Hey, I'm the one you want, right... you slime?!"
He frowned. Ah, so he's not as dumb as I thought.
"Cico?! You were hiding on me, you naughty thing!" He said with a teasing grin.
"You put my friends in danger! And now you're gonna pay for it!" Cico said with an ugly sneer.
The ship rocked again, and this time, he was ready for it, bracing himself... feet spread apart.
"Damn you, you foolish boy!" He muttered as the link was cut.
He shot a deadly glare at Cico's ship in the distance, and the fleet bearing down on him from the left.
It didn't matter how many there were, he couldn't be beaten.
So Cico... this is what it comes down to, huh?
Back aboard the FLAKRUNNER, Yuri and the others watched as off in the distance, Cico's ship appeared... blasting away the last wave of missiles.
"Yuri! It's the RUDIANOS!"
"I see it. The mines are all taken care of. Now we're ready to do some real battle!" He announced with a smile, ordering the fleet forward.
"Yuri, Ogar's making a break for the MISUNDERSTOOD." Nia informed him.
"Leave him be. We've got bigger things to deal with." Yuri ordered.
He couldn't blame Ogar though. He would've done the same thing.
Up ahead, Cico's RUDIANOS was already trading fierce blows with Oisin, who continued to respond in kind. Soon, Yuri and the FLAKRUNNER were joining the fight, and then, he heard Nia begin to call out.
"Enemy ship maintaining position. Transmitting target information and trajectory data."
"Prepare a pre-emptive strike... all guns get ready to fire." Yuri called out to his First Officer. "Successive gun pattern... 2, 4, 9."
"Diverting 70% of generator power to weapons systems... five seconds to power synchronization." Nia informed them, turning to relay the information to the fire control room. "Adjust horizontal angle and firing line to enemy quadrant, all weapons ready for continuous fire."
Their attacks seemed to work, and as Oisin's ship buckled and creaked, Yuri had a sudden realization.
Oisin's arsenal had been cantered around those cluster warhead missiles, which was good for long-range and immobilization tactics. However, in a straight up fight... his ship seemed to lack a certain edge.
"Inconceivable!" Oisin said, watching as the ship began to collapse around him. "I lost?! It can't be!"
He was cut off then by a bright light which had enveloped the bridge, and blown outwards from the core, vaporizing all aboard.
"Looks like we did it somehow." Yuri said with a smile.
Turning to nod at Nia, he listened to Kira's next few words.
"Yuri, Cico is going to leave."
He watched through the viewport as Cico and the RUDIANOS disappeared back up the starlane towards the Kashtano Sector.
"Hey, there he goes." Torlo started, breaking the silence.
"Yuri, don't you want to talk to him?"
He ran his sister's question over in his mind for a few seconds, before replying.
"Nah. It'd just be words."
His gaze locked on to Nia's, whose curious look changed to approval as she nodded, before turning away to continue her duties.
They would meet again one day, Yuri was sure about that.
We'll meet again Cico. And when we do, I vow to beat you; no matter what...
Ogar ran a hand down his face wearily as he continued down the halls of the JUSTICE. It had been a long day to be sure.
Selenia and her crew had barely survived the destruction of the MISUNDERSTOOD, which was beyond salvageable. Pirates or scavengers would be along soon to pick up the pieces...
And it would make for a good haul too.
With the minefield taken care of, and the RUDIANOS bearing down on their enemy, he had taken a chance and disobeyed an order. Nia hadn't taken to kindly to that, and she had taken the time to let him know as much.
Yuri didn't blame him though, and had explained that he would have done the same thing in his shoes.
His musings had kept his mind occupied, so much so, that he hadn't even realized Selenia was there... until he had almost tripped over her.
She was dirty still, and tired... currently sitting propped up against the hallway wall; eyes staring ahead at nothing.
Taking pity on her, and knowing what kind of state she was in, he reached down gently, wrapping an arm around her, and pulling her to her feet.
She hadn't even looked at him. Hadn't said a word. Entering his quarters, he led her over to the bed, helping her remove her jacket. Setting it down on the back of the chair, he eased her down onto the mattress, before sitting down too.
He watched as she began to tense up, before slight noises emerged from her mouth. Then, she began to cry.
In relief at surviving. Sadness at loosing such a good ship; everything. He didn't flinch, nor make any sound or movement. He just let her cry, holding onto him for dear life as he rubbed her back.
She's a tough old girl. He remembered Selenia saying once.
Back then, she was talking about the MISUNDERSTOOD. Now though, he found himself wondering.
Selenia's a tough girl too. He thought. She just needs time.