Keira stepped back, dusting off her hands with pride, and looked upon the half-finished bomber. It was the most complicated vehicle she had ever worked on, and it had proved to be a challenging fix, even with the other mechanics working with her as a team. There was still a lot left to do before it would fly again, but Keira was proud of what they had achieved so far. The most seriously damaged sections of the bodywork had been replaced with fresh plates of metal, the engines had been cleaned of the debris that choked them, and they had repaired and re-attached one of its vast wings.
"We've done a great job so far," said one of the mechanics at Keira's side, letting out a tired breath. "But that was tough. Phew, I'm totally busted."
Keira laughed quietly, also sharing the heavy ache of a long day's work, but she had never been bored for one moment of it. She had really enjoyed working on that bomber, as tough as it was, and she was already looking forward to the next time she could return and finish the job, which would very likely be tomorrow. But she was done for today too. They had all been up here working on the platform base since the late morning, with only one short break in the middle of the day for a light lunch. Now the afternoon had passed and the evening was in its early phases, and even Keira could do little more after such a long day.
As the rest of her group packed away their tools, she turned around and once again admired the amazing scenery surrounding the platform, now renewed by the first signs of sunset. The sky was almost clear, save for thin bands of red feather-cloud gathering on the horizon, blankets against the falling rays of sunlight. The broad, frozen snow-crests of the mountains glistened in the light, but their bodies cast long shadows over the work area that brought a chill as the sun fell behind them.
"We'd better be heading off now. It gets cold up here once the sun goes down," said one of the mechanics, who was concerned about Keira in her short-sleeved shirt that she was wearing today. Though to be honest, she had not noticed the falling temperature at all until it had just now been mentioned, being so engrossed in the work at hand and surrounded by the heat of industry.
Nevertheless, it was definitely time to call it a day. They gathered up their things and made their way to the warp portal that would take them back to the city. Keira was sorry to leave this amazing and beautiful place, but the satisfaction of a good day's work coloured her mood positively.
Upon travelling back through the warp gate again, they re-materialised in the main workshop. Most of the other mechanics who had not followed them through were still there, but as work wrapped up they all came together as one single group and enjoyed a moment of relaxation in the mess room, recovering their strength and reflecting on their productive day.
"I'd say we've done well today, haven't we?" said one of the guys, and everyone agreed, including Keira.
"Yeah," said someone else, "But I think we owe our newest member of the team a special thanks."
Keira nodded, but then realised that he was referring to her. In fact, all of the mechanics were now looking at her with great admiration, for she truly had been a great help to them all in her short time here already. Even up on the platform today, whenever they had run into a problem with the work, she had usually been the one to find a solution and get progress moving again. They all took advantage of the moment to personally thank her for all her support and assistance, and for her delightful company.
"Aw, thanks guys," she said, feeling flattered and bashful as all the attention turned on her.
"You know," said the guy sitting nearest to her, "When you first walked into the workshop last night, I thought the commander was having a joke."
"I think we all did," said another. "We weren't expecting a young girl like you to be any good at anything to do with engineering, but boy you proved us wrong. Guess that'll teach us to jump to conclusions, huh?"
Keira continued to smile, bearing no hard feelings at all.
"Well, I think we've earned ourselves a special treat today, wouldn't you say?" then said the first mechanic.
"Yeah," agreed Mex. "Hey, listen Keira, we were all planning on heading over to The Naughty Ottsel tonight, and we'd love for you to join us. You've been really great and you've helped us all a heck of a lot, and we want to make it up to you. Buy you a drink or something to say thanks. What do you say?"
Keira's face lit up even more brightly, overflowing with joy at the invite. "Oh, I'd love to!" she said right away. "That's really nice of you. Thank you. But let me just nip home and have a shower first."
She definitely needed one after all the heavy lifting today.
"You know, we do have showers here," said someone, trying to be helpful, "But I don't know if you'd want to use them or not, because, uh... well, they're communal."
Keira suddenly turned a little pink as an image of herself showering with the other mechanics came unbidden into her mind. "Nice try, guys," she said with a cheeky laugh, seeing the humour in the situation, "But I'll shower at home."
An hour later, Keira left her house, freshly showered and wearing new clothes, ready for her night out. It had been agreed that she would meet up with the mechanics again outside Freedom HQ, and from there they would all head down to The Naughty Ottsel together. Sure enough, they were all there waiting for her when she arrived, and once everyone was ready, they set off on foot, taking the shortest southward route through the city to the port.
It was a beautiful evening; the sky was a dim red from the setting sun, and there was a cool and refreshing breeze in the early night air. Keira was smiling all the way, feeling as if she had truly found her place in the world; she was fully accepted into a group that she belonged to, doing something that she loved, with some of the most delightful and like-minded people she had ever met. They definitely appreciated her company, that much was obvious, and they all chatted pleasantly in their leisurely pace through the streets. In fact, she was a little overwhelmed by all the kind attention she was receiving from them, for she was not used to having so many admirers, but she had to admit that she was relishing every second of it, and it sent a ripple of pride right through her that materialised in a permanent, glorious smile. She could barely feel the ache of work in her muscles anymore, and even the great sorrow that had smothered the city yesterday seemed to have lifted. Everything just felt so right.
The journey seemed to be over in no time at all, and soon they had arrived at their destination. The waters of the port twinkled in the sunset and the growing glow of the street lamps danced on its surface, a mesmerising sight that made it look much cleaner and prettier. But no light shone brighter than the giant figure of Daxter that stood watch over the pub's front door, an instantly recognisable landmark that drew them closer like an inviting beacon.
Keira was the first through the door. Inside it was rather quiet, and traces of yesterday's sorrow could still be felt, but that all changed very quickly as she boldly entered at the head of her group. At the counter, Azyma and Tess looked up, and their eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise at what they saw.
"What's all this?" said Tess, completely distracted from her lingering melancholy.
"Is that... Keira?" said Azyma, but her eyes were then quickly drawn to the large group of men that accompanied her inside, and her lips twitched into an inquisitive smile. "And who are they?"
Excitement and interest fluttered through the both of them, the first truly positive feeling either of them had felt that day. Then Keira strode ahead of the group and approached the counter, wearing an unconquerable expression. "Hi guys!" she said, placing both hands on the table top.
"Hi Keira," Azyma said back, and then she leaned in closer and lowered her voice to a smiley whisper, unable to contain her girlish curiosity. "Are all those guys with you?"
"Yeah, they are," said Keira, beaming. "They work in the hangar up at the Freedom Building. I got the opportunity to do some work up there yesterday, and now they all want to buy me a drink!" Then she leaned in a little closer too. "I think they really like me!"
"Oh!" Azyma let out a little giggle that was accompanied by a light blush on her face.
"Wow," said Tess, forming a smile of her own. "Sounds like you're getting quite popular!"
"How are you holding out today?" Keira asked her a little more delicately, not forgetting how upset Tess had been yesterday, and the mutual support she had promised to offer her. "You coping alright?"
Tess's smile only widened in response. Though the pain of Daxter's loss was still heavy, Keira's positive mood was spreading to her contagiously, and it seemed to saturate the entire atmosphere in the bar. It was incredible how quickly the mood had changed; one minute ago it felt like a funeral home in here, but with Keira's arrival it now seemed like the happy place it was meant to be. She was a light that banished the dark shadows of sorrow, and now it felt impossible to be sad.
"I'm... fine," Tess said at last, with a laugh that surprised even herself. "I feel fine!"
Keira let her own inspiring smile shine forth strongly again, for she could tell that nothing was wrong. This evening was just getting better and better, for everyone. She looked to Azyma again, who by now was watching the other mechanics bustle by the door. But with a movement of her head, her hair swished around, and Keira noticed for the first time what looked like a red line on her right cheek.
"What happened to your face?" she asked with a little sudden concern.
Azyma's smile withered for a moment, and her hand reached up to the mark. It still stung. "Oh... it's nothing," she said quickly, suppressing the fear and dread that she had momentarily forgotten. "I just... cut myself by accident last night. That's all."
At her side, Tess looked up at her, also with some concern. That was the same vague answer she had received when she'd asked about it first thing this morning, and she wasn't quite sure if Azyma was telling the truth.
However, there was no time to ponder over it, for the rest of the mechanics started to approach the counter as well. Azyma's heart jumped in response and she quickly smartened herself up, pulling her shirt straight and arranging her long hair back over the side of her face. She was soon smiling again as she and Tess greeted them all, and her worry was pushed out of mind in the presence of these very charming people. The mechanics were delighted by the sight of another young and pretty face, and Azyma suddenly felt very smitten in their presence.
Brief formalities were made and the first drinks were ordered. Mex personally paid for Keira's and handed it to her with honour. Then the entire group moved to a large table roughly in the middle of the room, leaving Tess and Azyma smiling excitedly at each other. Once they were all seated, they struck up conversation; the mechanics were eager to learn more about their newest partner.
"So, tell us then, Keira," said Mex, "Just where did you learn to get so good with the wrench?"
"Well, I'm all self-taught, actually," Keira began, proudly but honestly. "I've been fascinated by machines for as long as I can remember, ever since I was a child. I was always designing and making things. I built my first zoomer right from scratch, making add-ons like jump boosters and heat-shields..."
A murmur of intrigue spread around everyone at the table, and their immediate curiosity pressed her with questions about the original mechanics of her first zoomer. Keira was only too happy to tell them all about it, and she described its operational components in detail as her tablemates all listened spell-bound, imagining what it must have looked like. It was a fine creation to be sure, especially considering how young she had been when she had designed it, and it was something she could always be proud of. She missed it though. Its modern descendants were much more refined, but nothing could compare to her original, in her opinion.
She also spoke at length about her time spent working at the old stadium garage, fixing and tuning the racing vehicles and managing her team. The mechanics asked many questions about this too, for just like everyone else in the city, they had all been avid followers of the races, and in Mex's case, had actually participated as well. Keira also took pride in stating that all the work in her garage she had done alone, which meant that the conditions of every single vehicle that was sent in were her responsibility, and this impressed her tablemates further.
"Wow! No wonder you're so good! You must have been working solid every day."
"It was a tough job," admitted Keira, "And it did get kind of lonely sometimes."
For a moment, she was reminded of her dark days trying to survive on her own, separated from those she was closest to and the struggles she had faced. Those feelings and memories were starting to re-emerge, but she pushed them down deep again.
"Well, at least I've got good company at work now," she said more happily, quickly casting her eyes all around at her tablemates. "But enough about me. What about you guys? Tell me about yourselves."
The mechanics next each shared their own brief stories. Many of them had volunteered themselves to the Freedom League during the wartime, and had led fairly plain lives through the reign of the Baron before then, just trying to keep their heads down and not do anything 'subversive'. Some of them, however, regretfully admitted that they had been conscripted into the Krimzon Guard at one point or another, where they had done things that they were not proud of. Back then, there had been little other choice; at least one person from every family was expected to volunteer, the payoff being that that family would be protected and not cast out of the city in return. But at least that part of their lives was over now, and they had a better future to look forward to and be a part of.
Over at the bar counter, Tess and Azyma watched the intriguing events unfold, feeling both curious and excitable. Keira seemed to be really admired among the crowd of men she had brought in with her, and they could see her chatting animatedly in her seat, while the other mechanics all listened attentively to her every word. Every so often, a collective laugh would arise from their table as they all shared a joke or funny anecdote, and it seemed to have a positive effect on the whole pub and all the other people here.
"She looks like she's having a good time," Tess commented.
"Yeah, she does," agreed Azyma, who was absent-mindedly adjusting her hair again.
She was happy for Keira, of course, but behind her pursed smile, she could not help but feel a little envious of all the attention she was getting. Those mechanics all seemed very nice and friendly, and not to mention quite handsome too. Privately, just once, she wished that someone would show that kind of invested interest in her, and her attention kept wistfully returning to their group throughout the evening, wishing she could be a part of it. But from what she had overheard, there was no way she would be able to follow the technological language of their conversations, and this made her feel rather left out and inadequate. Not to mention, it was just typical that the day when so many men came into the bar at once, she was sporting an ugly and distracting cut on her face. Her fingers brushed past it again, and her eyes momentarily darted to the front door and the night that was deepening outside. She was afraid of what lay out there, or who.
But whenever someone came up for another order, she was always bright and enthusiastic, especially if it was Keira or one of her group coming up for refills. Soon it was peak time, and the pub was starting to fill up with its usual regulars and their friends. Tess and Azyma found themselves with plenty to keep them busy as drink after drink was ordered, and as the evening wore on into the late hours, the positive atmosphere in the room only continued to build.
When there was a significant break in the flow of drinkers, Azyma briefly checked her reflection in the mirror behind the counter, and then calmly rested her back against it with her arms folded in satisfaction. Standing there beneath the coloured lights, she surveyed all the merriment in the room. There was not a single empty chair to be seen, nor a single sad face. Laughter and pleasant conversation came from every corner, merging perfectly with the light music that played through the ceiling's speakers, and Keira and her group remained the heart and soul of it all. It was almost a party.
Azyma felt so safe and at peace as she absorbed the healthy atmosphere, all concerns chased away, a wonderful feeling after a life filled with stress and hardship. This was the sort of thing she had always hoped she could have. She was with her friends, business was good, and everyone was having a great time. And that all made her happy, knowing that she was a part of it and was continuing to do some good in the world.
Keira and the mechanics stayed until late, and were among the last to leave. When closing time came, they all departed together in high spirits, promising they would be back again soon, and said goodnight. With the room now empty, Tess and Azyma began cleaning up the place and preparing it for tomorrow, tired but still buzzing from the enjoyable and successful evening.
But now that everybody was gone and the excitement and the noise were over, dullness and dread began to descend upon Azyma again. Last night's traumatic encounter may have been temporarily driven from her mind during the happy evening, but it was still there, and now it was back as strong as before. The grim anticipation of her imminent journey home and the possibility of being attacked again tonight started eating at her insides, growing more intense with the hour. She was afraid to leave the safety of the bar, and she lingered in her cleaning so as to delay her departure, but of course, the longer she left it, the worse it became.
From a nearby table, Tess looked up from her cleaning, and over at where her friend was silently sweeping the floor. Azyma brushed a long sheet of her hair out of her eyes, tucking it away behind one ear, and the mark on her cheek was revealed again. Tess stopped what she was doing to watch and think. A change seemed to have come over Azyma today; she seemed preoccupied with something, some trouble weighing heavily on her mind. Of course, these last few days had been difficult for everyone in the city, especially herself, but this was something else, she could tell, and it must have something to do with that suspicious injury on her face. She hadn't wanted to say anything during the day that might embarrass her, but now they were in private and could speak intimately without fear of being overheard.
As the last crumbs and spilled drinks were mopped away, Tess approached Azyma with concern. "Sweetie? Is everything OK?"
Azyma looked up from her sweeping. "Oh, um, yeah I think so," she said, speaking as though she had been interrupted in some long thought. "The floor here looks clean to me."
"No, I mean are you OK? You've been pretty quiet today and it's made me worry about you. Is there anything wrong?"
Azyma had difficulty looking Tess in the eyes, and was hesitant to answer. She tried to hide her suffering, but Tess could see through it. She knew Azyma well, particularly her shyness to open up about personal matters, even if it was a problem she could not handle by herself. That was one of her flaws, trying too hard to be independent, and Tess suspected that there was something more to what she was saying, or rather what she chose not to say. Something was definitely wrong.
She placed a soft paw on Azyma's arm. "Has something happened, Azyma?" she asked gently, hoping that it wasn't as serious as it seemed.
"Well..." Azyma began hesitantly, but she took a long time to speak again, battling with her own mind over whether she should still try to keep this a secret. Her eyes were drawn to the door again.
"Come on," said Tess kindly. "If there's something bothering you, I want to help. You can tell me. We're best friends, aren't we?"
Azyma let out a shaky breath, and she understood now that she could not keep this hidden from Tess and her persistence. Sooner or later she would find out. She had to tell someone, and get it off her chest.
"Yes... I was..." She took another difficult breath. "…I was attacked by someone on my way home last night."
Tess felt her heart jump, and she covered her mouth in shock. Even she had not expected to hear this answer, but Azyma continued, unable to stop talking now she had begun, confiding her dark secret that now spilled out from her.
"He came at me from behind and held me against the wall, right outside my house, whispering threats into my ear. He said he knew who I was, and he'd got plans for me, and if I wasn't careful he'd have to deal with me earlier than expected. I don't know what he meant, but..."
She choked and suddenly couldn't go on. Repeating her attacker's words that were freshly scarred into her memory started to bring on the tears again.
"Azyma, that's horrible!" gasped Tess, lowering her hands. "Why didn't you say anything this morning?"
Azyma sniffed. "Because... he also said... he'd come after any of my friends if I told them about this. I didn't want to drag you into this too..."
"Don't be silly," said Tess bracingly, unintimidated but still maintaining a caring tone. "We've been through too much together to go this alone, and I'm here for you no matter what."
This support seemed to help a little, but Azyma remained tearful.
"Don't you know who it was?" Tess asked.
Azyma shook her head. "No. I never got to see him properly. But it was definitely a man. I could tell by his voice."
"Well, didn't he take anything from you?" Tess asked further.
"No. He just threatened me, pushed me over and then left. That's how I really got this." She delicately tapped a finger to her wounded cheek.
Tess was still horrified by what she had been told. "Oh Azyma, you poor thing. You're lucky he didn't do anything worse to you."
"But... he said he'd come back and find me again," Azyma said, trembling, "And I'm scared. I don't know what to do."
Again she looked uneasily towards the door and the threatening darkness that lay beyond. Would she encounter her attacker again tonight on the way home? Did he know that she was here right now? Was he still out there, lurking in the shadows and waiting for her to leave? Not knowing was worse than the threat itself.
Tess looked upon her friend, and seeing just how badly this had affected her, she knew that this needed to be taken seriously, whatever the circumstances. "You've got to tell the guards about this, Azyma. As soon as possible. They'll be able to help you."
Azyma looked back, her eyes glistening, and nodded, accepting this sensible idea. Last night, she had been too gripped by the terror to even think of such rational decisions like this, and Tess was right. She couldn't do this alone; she needed help and protection.
"Alright," she said, sniffing again and wiping her face on her sleeve. "I will. But... please don't say anything about this to Keira. I don't want her to know."
"Sure," said Tess, understanding the reasons that didn't need to be voiced. "Don't let this get to you, OK sweetie? It was probably just some lonely thug in the slums. You and I both know what a rough part of town it is, and the war probably hasn't put much of a positive spin on it and the people living there either. If he didn't take anything, he was probably just trying to scare you."
"But why would anyone do that?" Azyma asked desperately.
"I don't know," said Tess, shrugging sadly. "Some people are just like that. But hey," she said a little more optimistically, "He might have just been bluffing. You might never even see him again."
"Yeah, I... I hope so," said Azyma with another sniff. "But still... could I sleep here tonight? If it's not too much trouble?"
"Of course you can," said Tess. "I've got a spare bed you can use."
Azyma managed a little smile at her loyal and caring friend, starting to feel safer already with her support. Once again, Tess was standing by her side and helping her, just as she had always done, and she loved her for that. She didn't know what she would do without her.