《Dimming Stars [Progression/Sci-fi/Slice-of-Life]》


 0. Forgotten

    How long does it take to forget our own past?


    And what if we do? Then one day, we discovered it again.


    Will that past help us survive, or will it destroy us?


    Thousands of years, and a thousand more.


    Who were the ones that pushed the darkness into the light?


    And who were the ones that illuminated the night?Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Only time can tell, and time waits for no one.


    ¡­


    Kai struggled to remember his own past.


    Then, a faint glow caught his eye¡ªbarely visible, yet unmistakable. He reached for it, clutching it like the last drop of water in an endless desert.


    He stared into the light, into the very beginning of all that had happened.


    A fragment of his past.


    He looked around. The stars had dimmed.


    Why was he here? What was his purpose?


    Headache


    If only he could remember¡­

 1. Lucky Find

    Something streaked across the sky, catching Kai''s attention. It wasn¡¯t a freighter¡ªthe spacecraft was quick and small. He watched as it shattered the sound barrier, the boom reaching his ears seconds later, it flew fast, leaving a white contrail behind.


    Kai stared until he was certain nothing else was happening. It wasn¡¯t every day that a ship like that visited a mining planet so far removed from the galaxy¡¯s center of attention. Quantum fuel wasn¡¯t cheap.


    He imagined the scene inside the cockpit: what a beautiful sight it will be.


    He dreamed of owning his own ship someday¡ªthe freedom to traverse the stars and witness the wonders of space. Perhaps, if he worked harder, he could just save enough to make that dream a reality.


    Lowering his head, Kai resumed his walk. The red dirt, carried by the wind, stung his face like thousands tiny needles. He pulled his gaiter higher and wiped dust off his goggles.


    The mine came into view, its gaping holes punctuating the barren landscape. He pressed forward until he reached one of the entrances. Walking down the ramp, he stopped before a heavy metal door.


    Kai glanced back at the contrail one last time. It was heading north, toward the city. Probably someone high up in the Federation paying a visit. Either way, it wasn¡¯t his concern.


    He knocked on the gate, and a small panel slid open. A gruff voice demanded identification. After verifying his credentials, the door on the side creaked open, allowing him entry.


    The air inside was thick with the smell of sweat and dirty boots. Kai swallowed his disgust. Four months underground had taught him to endure.


    A guard waved him forward. The man, clad in standard-issue combat armor, had a rifle slung across his chest. Despite the time Kai had spent here, he still didn¡¯t know the guard¡¯s name. All he knew was that the guy was one of the decent ones.


    Kai approached and raised his arms in a T-pose. The guard patted him down, nodded, and let him pass. The security check was more for show than substance¡ªa reminder to the miners that they were being watched. Smuggling items in was easy; it was sneaking them out that posed the real challenge, the search will be far more thorough to ensure every stone, every gem belongs to the owner of the mine.


    Kai moved through another door into the locker room. A few miners glanced his way, a few offered brief nods of acknowledgment. He found his locker and opened it, pulling off his gaiter and goggles. His medium-length hair, now a mess, reminded him that he was overdue for a haircut. But something always came up when he planned to get one.


    Stripping down to his undersuit, Kai began gearing up. The suit clung to his body like a second skin. He stepped into the leg piece first, followed by the chest and arm pieces. Lastly, he secured his helmet. The sealing mechanism clicked into place, and the air instantly felt cleaner.


    He gathered his tools: a small cutter, a tester, and a container for storing samples, which he attached to his belt. From his locker, he retrieved a hardened backpack case, designed to carry whatever he harvested. It latched onto his suit with a satisfying click. Fully equipped, Kai was ready.


    As he headed toward the lift, he passed a familiar face coming out of the shaft.


    ¡°Going into the deep again?¡± the miner asked, not breaking stride.


    Kai nodded silently and stepped into the lift.


    The miner turned back, his expression grim. ¡°One day, you¡¯re going to get yourself killed down there.¡±


    Kai nodded at that. He knew the miner was right. The safer, shallow sections of the mine, with their security measures and stable environment, were where most miners stayed. But Kai wasn¡¯t looking for safety¡ªhe was chasing a miracle. Something that could make him rich overnight, make him able to afford a spaceship.


    Ever since he arrived on this planet, he had yearned to leave this planet and see the stars. To achieve that, he had to venture into the uncharted depths of the mine, where the environment was brutal, and rules were merely suggestions.


    Kai smiled faintly at the miner and pressed the button for the lowest level.


    The lift shuddered and began its descent, the grinding of powerful gears echoing as the chain pulled it downward. Concrete walls gave way to raw, jagged rock.


    Level 1


    On the uneven rock face, red paint marked the floor number.


    Level 2... Level 3...


    The numbers steadily climbed as the lift plunged deeper. Kai could feel the temperature dropping. By the time the display read Level 15, his suit''s HVAC system kicked in, pumping warm air to counteract the chill.


    At Level 30, the embedded lights disappeared, leaving him enveloped in the oppressive darkness of the uncharted depths. This was where the known world ended, and the land of danger and opportunities began.


    The lift stopped at Level 34, roughly 300 meters below the surface. The doors slid open, and Kai stepped out. A man stood waiting by the lift, his posture tense. At the sight of Kai, his hand instinctively moved toward the knife on his belt.


    Kai raised one hand slightly, showing he meant no harm, and gave the man plenty of space to pass. The tension eased as the man offered an apologetic wave. They passed each other without a word, and Kai continued on.


    The cavern was shrouded in darkness, save for the small area illuminated by the spotlight attached to the lift system. Beyond its reach lay pure blackness¡ªa haunting reminder of why these levels were considered uncharted.


    The uncharted depths were infamous for their hazards: uneven terrain, lethal gas pockets, and unstable rock formations waiting to collapse at the slightest provocation. These dangers made mining here a perilous gamble.


    In more advanced worlds, large ground-penetrating scanners would map the subterranean terrain, providing engineers with crucial data to guide excavation efforts. But on a planet like Drakmoor, the cost of such equipment far outweighed any potential profits, at least that''s what the officials said. Instead, miners relied on outdated tools, instincts, and luck to navigate the treacherous depths.


    There were others like Kai who ventured deep into the uncharted levels, searching for undiscovered clusters and veins of precious minerals. These pioneers knew the risks; for them, it was either a gamble they embraced or a desperate choice they had no alternative but to make. Most were criminals or gamblers drawn by the promise of wealth, the allure of potentially striking it rich. The odds of finding a substantial crystal cluster were far greater here than in the safer, surface levels. And if someone hit the jackpot and found a vein, the reward could reach millions.


    For experienced miners, environmental dangers like cave-ins and gas leaks were only a minor concern. The real threat came from other pioneers. The lower levels lacked telecommunications, making it impossible to call for help or report crimes. Down here, even murder could go unnoticed and unpunished.


    Kai double-checked his supplies one last time. He was sure he had enough food and water to sustain him for this session. Adjusting his headlamp, he stepped further into the darkness of the mine.


    The tunnels alternated between wide, open spaces and narrow, claustrophobic passages. The layout was mostly unchanged since his last visit, and Kai navigated the labyrinth with ease, remembering which paths to take. While pioneers were potential enemies, they also had a peculiar, symbiotic relationship. Each miner dig upon the work of others, gradually expanding the tunnel networks in their shared pursuit of riches. Sometimes, miners would team up to speed up the process. But just as often, conflicts would break out, and those conflicts usually ended in death. As a result, the tunnels held their share of corpses.


    Kai passed one such body lying against the tunnel wall. The corpse was still encased in its suit, the airtight design turning it into a macabre coffin. He barely glanced at it. The body had been there during his last visit¡ªand the one before that. Over time, Kai had memorized the locations of every corpse. That way, he would know immediately if a new one appeared.


    The tunnels branched outward like an upside-down tree, each path twisting into the depths of the planet. After an hour of walking, Kai reached the branch he needed. He set his backpack on the ground and rummaged through it, pulling out a small laser device.Stolen novel; please report.


    Carefully, he concealed the device behind a small rock near the tunnel¡¯s entrance. The laser would project an invisible beam across the opening, and if anyone crossed it, the device would send a signal to his suit, alerting him to their presence.


    Satisfied with the setup, Kai picked up his backpack and prepared to venture deeper into the tunnel.


    Kai reached the end of the tunnel after another half hour. Taking a moment to rest, he attached his water bottle to the port on his helmet and sipped through the internal straw. Once hydrated, he returned the bottle to his bag, which he set aside on the ground, and got to work.


    The last time he was here, he¡¯d found something¡ªnothing valuable, but it might be the start of a vein. This trip was to confirm his theory.


    He removed a sheet hanging from the wall, revealing a small crack. Peering inside, he spotted the faint color variation he had seen before. It might be nothing, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that today might be his lucky day.


    ¡°Let it be something good,¡± Kai murmured, pulling out his cutting tool. The device, shaped like a pistol, emitted a precise, short-range laser beam. When activated, the tool continuously fired, cutting through rock with ease.


    Kai began carefully cutting away small pieces of the wall, the loose debris clattering to the ground and bouncing off his chest and leg armor.


    Small-scale mining was a meticulous process. Miners had to remove the surrounding rock bit by bit without damaging the minerals inside. Cutting too much could ruin the yield and cost a fortune in lost profit. Leaving debris behind was also problematic, as it could block the tunnel and make future trips difficult. Kai took his time, knowing patience would pay off.


    The heat from the cutter radiated through his face shield, but he didn¡¯t mind. He hummed a tune to himself as anticipation bubbled within. He kicked away a loose piece of rock with childlike excitement.


    As he worked, the metallic sheen of a crystal vein began to reveal itself under his headlamp¡¯s glare. It stretched from the top of the rock wall to the bottom, and Kai¡¯s grin widened. This could be it¡ªhe was about to strike it rich.


    Suddenly, he heard the unmistakable sound of boots on rock behind him. He turned, his heart pounding, to see two men approaching down the tunnel.


    How was this possible? He checked his HUD¡ªno alerts. The laser tripwire hadn¡¯t worked.


    The two men were moving fast, their heavy mining armor slowing them only slightly. Their intentions were clear¡ªthey weren¡¯t here for a friendly chat.


    Kai cursed himself for not bringing a real weapon. Improvisation would have to do. He tightened his grip on the cutting tool in his right hand and grabbed a loose rock with his left.


    The men closed the distance, stopping just short of him. They blocked the tunnel, their armored forms standing imposingly in the narrow space. Like Kai, they wore mining suits, not combat gear. Their helmet lights shone directly into Kai¡¯s face, causing his visor to dim automatically. He couldn¡¯t make out their faces behind the glare.


    ¡°What do you want? How did you get past the tripwire?¡± Kai asked coldly, he didn''t show a slight of fear.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter who we are," one of the men replied, his voice distorted by the suit¡¯s speaker. The tone was rough, hardened, and merciless¡ªKai could tell this man wasn¡¯t a stranger to killing.


    The man tossed something at Kai¡¯s feet. It was the tripwire device, its casing cracked and useless. "All that matters is we know you¡¯ve found something valuable, something we¡¯d like to share with you."


    "Is that so?" Kai said, gripping the cutter tool tighter. "And what if I''m not in the mood to share?"


    ¡°We¡¯re giving you a chance to live¡ªyou should feel grateful,¡± the other man said, his voice carrying an unfamiliar accent. ¡°You found something we¡¯re interested in, and now we¡¯re going to take it. Simple as that.¡±


    Kai didn¡¯t reply. He didn¡¯t have time to waste with these people. If they wanted his findings, they could take them¡ªover his dead body.


    In a swift motion, Kai hurled the rock he¡¯d been hiding behind his back. His suit¡¯s assisted mechanics propelled his arm forward in an arc, sending the rock flying through the air like a bullet. It struck the man on the left square in the stomach. Though the mining suit absorbed the impact and the rock shattered into thousands of pieces, the sheer force of the throw knocked the man onto his back.


    "Now it''s a fair fight." Kai thought.


    The other man, to his credit, reacted quickly. He closed the gap between them in two steps, his movements surprisingly nimble for someone in a heavy mining suit. He swung a left hook, but Kai ducked under it, following up with a punch of his own. His fist connected with the attacker¡¯s chest, sending him stumbling backward, but the suit¡¯s armor left him unharmed.


    Kai glanced at the first man, still struggling to get up. The weight of his suit, once a shield, now worked against him as he flailed to regain his footing.


    Kai knew he had to finish this fast. He charged at the second man, locking him in a grapple. Their suits clashed with a resounding clang of metal on metal. Kai tried to throw his opponent to the ground, but the man¡¯s weight, combined with the bulk of his armor, made it nearly impossible.


    Instead, the heavier attacker overpowered him. With a heave, the man tipped them both over, sending them crashing to the ground with Kai pinned underneath.


    Kai''s body slammed against the ground with a bone-jarring impact. The attacker wasted no time, raining down punches. Each power-assisted blow tested the limits of Kai¡¯s helmet, the force rattling his head within the tight confines. If not for the helmet¡¯s soft padding, he¡¯d likely have suffered a concussion already.


    Kai struggled to push the man off, but his attacker had anchored his full weight, pinning him down completely. Another punch connected, and the visor of Kai¡¯s helmet cracked. A sliver of fiberglass broke free, slicing a thin line across his cheek. Tiny droplets of blood seeped out, but that wasn¡¯t the worst of it¡ªKai held his breath. The mine¡¯s air was likely toxic, and the crack in his visor had compromised his life support. He was literally down to his last breath.


    Gritting his teeth, Kai raised the cutter tool in his hand and powered it on. The laser flared to life, cutting through the man¡¯s suit armor slowly. Another punch landed, narrowly missing the same spot on Kai¡¯s visor. He tilted his head to avoid a direct hit, knowing he had little time left.


    Through the cracked visor, Kai could see his attacker¡¯s face¡ªgrinning, teeth gleaming beneath the helmet. That grin quickly twisted into a grimace of pain. The laser cutter had burned through the armor and into the man¡¯s abdomen. He let out a scream and a stream of blood from his mouth, his suit amplifying the sound into a distorted wail that echoed through the tunnel. The man kicked out in pain and rolled off Kai, clutching his midsection.


    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. He rolled in the opposite direction, and sit up. His attacker writhed on the ground, hands pressed to his abdomen, his suit¡¯s speaker broadcasting his agony in chilling, metallic tones that echoed in the tunnel.


    Turning his attention to the second man, Kai saw him still struggling to sit up. The rock had done its job¡ªdamaging the suit¡¯s mechanisms and leaving the attacker¡¯s limbs powerless. Kai pushed himself to his feet, his visor missing a chunk of glass in the middle. He couldn¡¯t afford to breathe, not yet.


    The man watched in horror as Kai approached, desperately trying to push himself away, but his suit wouldn¡¯t power on. Kai could see the panic in his breathing, the visor fogging up with every gasp.


    Standing over him, Kai holstered the cutter tool and bent down. For a brief moment, the man¡¯s panic shifted to hope, as though Kai might actually help him. That hope shattered when Kai twisted his own cracked helmet off and tossed it aside.


    Realizing what was about to happen, the man screamed, the sound muffled by his helmet¡¯s visor. Kai didn¡¯t want to do this, but he had no choice.


    "Just trying to live. Sorry,¡± Kai said coldly as he removed the man¡¯s helmet.


    The man¡¯s screams turned to frantic pleas for mercy, but they didn¡¯t last. His face contorted in agony as the toxic air flooded his lungs. Kai noticed a tattoo on the man¡¯s neck¡ªthree tiny circles arranged in a triangle. It was a design he¡¯d never seen before. The man¡¯s cries dissolved into choking gasps, and Kai quickly put the helmet on himself.


    The visor cleared of fog, and fresh air flowed into his lungs. He took a few deep breaths, feeling his strength return. Glancing down one last time, he saw the man struggling, his breaths shallow and labored, his terror written across his face. Without another word, Kai turned away.


    The other attacker lay still on the ground, blood pooling around him from the wound the cutter had inflicted.


    Kai stood still for a moment, grappling with the weight of his actions. In just five minutes, he had killed two people. Even though it was self-defense, the realization settled heavily on him. He felt terrible. But then he thought about their intentions¡ªthey had come to kill him for his discovery. Whatever they were after, it was worth dying for, at least in their eyes.


    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted to the vein in the rock wall. The thought of what lay ahead stirred his resolve. He could finally afford his own ship, fulfilling the dream that had driven him this far. His mood lifted slightly.


    Taking out the cutter tool once more, Kai returned to the wall. He carefully chipped away at the rock, determined to extract a sample. All he needed was proof to present to the mining company and the information alone is going to get him off this rock.


    Kai worked in silence, his usual hum replaced by the steady rhythm of his cutter against the rock. His nerves were on edge, anticipation building as he chipped away at the surrounding stone. He was so close now¡ªhe could see the metal glinting behind the crack.


    With a few precise cuts, he exposed the mineral beneath. It was unnaturally smooth, almost polished. Kai pulled out his container and began to cut a sample. The metal gave way far too easily, almost like it wasn¡¯t solid. After only a few seconds, he had carved out a small circular piece.


    When he reached to remove it, the sample fell inward, disappearing into the darkness beyond.


    A cold realization gripped him. The rock was hollow.


    Kai adjusted his helmet light, angling the beam into the opening. Sure enough, there was a void on the other side. Confused but intrigued, he chipped away more rock, revealing more of the strange metal behind it. The smooth, flat surface was unlike anything he¡¯d ever seen¡ªtoo perfect to be natural.


    Curiosity consumed him. He continued cutting, piece by piece, and the truth slowly began to take shape. This wasn¡¯t just an unusual mineral deposit. Whatever it was, it didn¡¯t belong to this planet.


    ¡°No,¡± Kai muttered to himself. ¡°It¡¯s manmade.¡±


    He uncovered more of the structure, exposing a seam in the metal. It was lined with rubber, running up and down in a precise, straight line. Following the seam, Kai found it extended all the way to the ground. The cutter in his hand grew hot from prolonged use, but he ignored the discomfort. His heart pounded with each new discovery.


    Then, another piece of rock fell away, and a metal bar came into view. It was painted red, standing out sharply against the pristine white of the surrounding metal.


    The realization hit him like a thunderbolt. This wasn¡¯t just any metal wall. It was something he¡¯d seen before¡ªback in the picture books of his childhood, when he still had a place to call home.


    He stared at the red paint, his breath catching. It was the same color used for handrails on the exteriors of spaceships, designed to guide crews to an entrance.


    Kai stepped back, his mind racing. He wasn¡¯t just mining anymore. He had uncovered something ancient, something hidden¡ªa buried structure, a spaceship.

 2. Buried Ship

    Kai had more questions than answers: Why was the spaceship buried so deep inside the planet? Did the mining company know about this? How had the two attackers known about it? There was so much he didn¡¯t know, and the only way to find out was to go inside.


    He grabbed the handle and tested it. To his surprise, it still moved. Encouraged, Kai pushed down, but the door remained stuck. The ship had likely been without power for centuries. Undeterred, he tried sliding the door open manually. It was a struggle¡ªa long time of neglect had left the mechanism rusted shut.


    Kai powered on his cutter and carefully made a small hole in the door''s edge. He saved a small piece of the door as a sample. Then Jamming his fingers into the gap, he engaged his suit¡¯s powered assistance to force the door open. With a screech of protesting metal, he managed to push it halfway, creating a narrow opening just large enough to squeeze through.


    The interior was pitch black, the ship''s systems long dead. Unlike the sleek, functional designs of modern ships, this one was cluttered with archaic machinery and scattered equipment. Everything about it screamed obsolescence. Kai stepped carefully, his helmet light sweeping the space as he ventured further in.


    Past the machinery, he found another door¡ªsmaller and circular, clearly part of an airlock. He turned the hatch, and to his surprise, it opened with minimal resistance.


    Lifting his leg cautiously, Kai entered the space beyond. It was as dark as the rest of the ship, the only light coming from his helmet. The corridor he stepped into was cylindrical, its walls, ceiling, and even floor covered with screens, buttons, and panels. Some displays were underfoot, making little sense to Kai at first.


    ¡°This design... it¡¯s unlike anything I¡¯ve seen,¡± he muttered, confused by the odd placement.


    Kai paused in the corridor, uncertain where to go next. Suddenly, a faint light blinked in the corner of his vision. He froze, heart pounding, and waited. The light flashed again, coming from a panel beside a door further down the corridor.


    He approached slowly, each step deliberate. The outdated displays creaked under his weight, but he ignored the noise, focused solely on the light. Reaching the door, he gripped the latch and pulled. The door opened with a metallic groan, and a humanoid figure collapsed onto the floor, startling him.


    It was a body, clad in an unfamiliar spacesuit¡ªbulky and heavy. Kai strained to drag the corpse out of the doorway. Inspecting it, he noticed a faded insignia on the upper arm: a flag of white and red stripes with tiny stars on a blue square.


    Kai squinted. ¡°Fifty stars... could that mean fifty colonized systems?¡±


    He quickly dismissed the thought. Whatever this flag represented, it was nothing he recognized¡ªnot from the Federation, the Empire, or even pirates. The purposeful design hinted at an organized and powerful faction, yet one completely unknown to him.


    Setting aside the mystery of the flag, Kai turned his attention to the room beyond the door. A faint blue glow illuminated the space, drawing his gaze. It was unlike the rest of the ship¡ªdevoid of clutter or machinery. At the far end stood a glass container, its contents floating in some kind of liquid.


    Kai stepped inside, his eyes fixed on the glowing vial. As he approached, his foot hit something. Looking down, he saw a small notebook. Picking it up, he flipped through the pages. It was a diary, fortunately written in English.


    The entries detailed routine tasks performed by the crew, but the more Kai read, the more unsettling it became. The ship and its crew were from a time long past. There were no artificial gravity systems, explaining the controls on the floor. Each chapter ended with the same signature: Lieutenant Colonel Smith, USSF.


    ¡°USSF¡­¡± Kai muttered. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    He skimmed through the entries until he reached the last one. The words sent a chill down his spine:


    One of its scouts found us. We had no choice but to land and bury the signal. I hope the decoy we launched will buy us time. May God bless humanity and keep it hidden from the horror. I¡¯ve secured the vial and rerouted all power to sustain it for at least a thousand years. I¡¯m sorry I had to cut power to everything else. The crew understands. We said our goodbyes and donned our suits. They¡¯ll keep us alive for a little while longer. If anyone finds this, protect the vial at all costs. It¡¯s humanity¡¯s last hope.


    ¡ªLt. Col. Smith, USSF


    Kai¡¯s gaze shifted to the container. He opened the lid and carefully removed the glowing vial. It appeared to hold nothing more than clear liquid.


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about this?¡± he wondered aloud, disappointed. He was about to place it in his backpack when he noticed the vial was empty.


    Stunned, Kai inspected it. The liquid had simply vanished. There were no leaks, and the ground beneath him was dry. His confusion deepened as a faint glimmer on his shoulder caught his eye.


    The liquid was there, shimmering in the blue glow. He reached to touch it, but it evaded his hand, moving upward¡ªtoward his helmet.


    Panic set in as Kai realized the liquid was alive. It had intelligence, and it was trying to get inside his suit. He swatted at it, but it slipped past his fingers. In seconds, it disappeared from view.


    Then he felt it. A cold, wet sensation seeped through the drinking port, crawling over his face. It slithered into his nose and mouth despite his attempts to keep them shut. The liquid invaded his body, it moved with an intention that scared him.


    Kai fell to his knees, clutching his helmet. Pain exploded in his head, spreading to every inch of his body. It felt as if countless tiny creatures were consuming him from the inside out. He crawled out of the ship and back into the tunnel.


    Darkness overtook him as he collapsed onto the cold tunnel floor, his last thought a fleeting regret: Not only had he not found the riches he hoped for, he was now going to die from a mysterious slime he couldn''t even fight back. What a shity day this had been.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Kai couldn¡¯t see. He thought this was unconsciousness¡ªyet how could he still think if that were true? His entire body felt as though countless tiny needles were piercing him at a cellular level. Each stab unleashed a wave of searing pain, sending desperate signals to his overwhelmed brain. He could feel the agony crawling up and down his body, but he was paralyzed, unable to move even an inch to escape it.


    The torment began with his skin, burning as if it were aflame. Then it moved deeper, attacking his muscles and organs. Each wave of pain felt like the peak of human endurance, yet the onslaught continued. When the creature invaded his bones, it was worse than anything he¡¯d thought possible. The sharp, stabbing agony fractured his very sense of self until his mind was utterly broken, reduced to raw, instinctive suffering.


    Just when he thought he could endure no more, the thing finally shifted. He felt it moving upward, shooting into his brain. This time, he truly passed out. But in his unconsciousness, he was not spared. Instead, he was submerged in visions¡ªterrifying and incomprehensible.


    Kai saw a darkened sky swarming with hundreds of shadowy dots. Explosions rained down from above, obliterating a city in fire and ash. He saw people screaming, running desperately for safety, only to be caught by the blasts and reduced to molten forms of nothingness. He felt as though he were one of them, he ran and tripped and got up running again, only to realize he was no longer on the ground but floating in a void.


    The void was vast, stretching beyond understanding. He saw lights scattered across the darkness¡ªstars, brilliant incubators of life. Then, one by one, the stars began to dim. First one, then another, then dozens more. He didn¡¯t know what could cause such a thing, but he understood the horror of it. Without a sun, life in those systems would perish.


    Then he saw it: a shape moving across the black expanse of space, soo massive it eclipsed the light of entire stars. Its sheer size defied comprehension, and the dread it inspired was primal, absolute. Kai knew¡ªthis was what Smith and his crew had fled from. The thing was more than a force of destruction; it was a harbinger of extinction.


    Kai wanted to scream, to block out the visions, but it was impossible. The liquid had hijacked his mind, transmitting images directly into his neurons. Even with his eyes shut, he could not escape.


    The stars disappeared completely, leaving him in suffocating darkness. Then, slowly, he became aware of his own breathing. It was shallow and ragged, but it was real. He opened his eyes and found himself back in the tunnel.


    The first thing he saw was the lifeless face of the man whose helmet he had taken to survive. The glassy, vacant stare burned into Kai¡¯s soul. He felt sick¡ªhis stomach churned violently, and he thought he might vomit. A wave of despair overtook him.


    He wanted to tear the helmet from his head, to accept the same fate the man had suffered. Anything to escape the weight of the visions, the knowledge of what he had seen, and the overwhelming guilt gnawing at him.


    So that¡¯s exactly what he did. Kai twisted his helmet off and took a deep breath, fully expecting it to be his last. He welcomed the idea of eternal peace. But what he found was... breathable air. It felt no different from the air he had breathed inside the helmet.


    Two streaks of tears ran down his face. He couldn¡¯t even take his own life.


    Kai stood up, wiped his face, and began walking back. The journey to the elevator was a blur of steps and shadows. When he arrived, the lift doors opened just as a miner stepped out. The man froze, his body tense as he took in the sight of Kai¡ªbareheaded in the toxic air of the mine.


    The miner¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. He opened his mouth to say something, but Kai¡¯s cold, hollow stare stopped him. Something about the look in Kai¡¯s eyes chilled him to the core. Without a word, the miner stepped aside and hurried into the tunnels, disappearing into the darkness.


    The elevator ride up gave Kai time to think. His head still throbbed, but his body felt strangely light, almost weightless, even in the bulky mining suit. Something inside him had changed. He could breathe the toxic air of the mine without consequence. His movements were freer, more fluid, as though the liquid had rewritten the way his body functioned.


    But most of all, he thought about the vision. The destruction of stars. The massive, incomprehensible being that swallowed the light of entire systems. How could something so catastrophic exist without anyone knowing? Why weren¡¯t the Empire or the Federation preparing for it? The implications were staggering, but he had no answers. Only questions.


    When the elevator reached the top floor, the doors opened, and Kai stepped into the locker room. Immediately, he sensed the change in the air. The miners, who had been chatting moments ago, fell silent as soon as they saw him. All eyes turned toward him. The room grew eerily quiet.


    Kai ignored the stares and moved to his locker. He began removing his armor and suit, peeling them off with mechanical precision. Normally, the locker room would be filled with laughter, dirty jokes, and heated debates about politics. But now, there was nothing but silence. The miners watched him, their faces a mix of confusion and unease.


    As Kai changed into his daily clothes, he noticed something odd about his body. His muscles looked more defined, his skin smoother and tougher, almost unnaturally so. Veins stood out more prominently, but they pulsed with a faint, bluish light, as though something foreign coursed through them. His movements felt stronger, more precise, like his body had been fine-tuned beyond human limits. Even the small cut on his cheek, made by the shattered visor, was already healing, the skin knitting itself back together.


    As Kai placed his suit back into the locker and plugged it into the charging station, the realization hit him: the suit¡¯s power had completely drained. Without power, the suit wouldn¡¯t have provided the assistance needed for movement. Every step he¡¯d taken back to the elevator had been entirely his own.


    This wasn¡¯t just unusual¡ªit was impossible. Only the strongest could move in an unpowered mining suit, those whose strength even the Empire¡¯s Royal guard would envy. He looked around the room, and the other miners quickly averted their gazes, pretending not to notice him.


    Kai closed his locker door with a sharp clang, then turned and walked toward the entrance. He had nothing valuable to sell from his trip, no crystals or minerals¡ªonly the knowledge of the spacecraft¡¯s location. He wasn''t even sure if the mining company would be interested in something like that.


    When he reached the gate, the same guard greeted him. The man¡¯s eyes widened in shock as he took in Kai¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°Kai? What happened to you?¡± the guard asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    Kai shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better take a look at yourself.¡± The guard grabbed Kai by the arm and led him to a small room off to the side. Inside was a simple washroom with a sink and a mirror mounted above it.


    Kai leaned forward, staring at his reflection. The sight made his stomach drop. His hair was no longer the dark color he had known his whole life¡ªit was white, not silver or gray, but pure white, like the hull of the buried ship. His eyes had a faint blue glow, mirroring the light now coursing through his veins. He touched his face, he felt like he was living inside someone else''s body. No, he felt as if someone else was living inside him.


    Dumbfounded, Kai stood there until the guard broke the silence. ¡°You¡¯d better be careful next time you go down there¡ªand get yourself checked out by a doctor,¡± the guard said, gesturing toward the outside door.


    Kai nodded silently, stepping out into the sunlight. The sky above Drakmoor was tinted yellow by the sun, a vast, cloudless expanse. A whole night had passed since he had entered the mine. He paused, breathing in the open air, but it didn¡¯t feel the same as before.


    Instead of heading straight home, Kai decided he needed something to calm his nerves. Too much had happened in the mine, and the weight of it all pressed heavily on him. He turned and began walking toward the nearest town, seeking a drink to drown the bad taste of the experience.

 3. Real Whisky

    Kai reached the town by midday, the sun beating down on the dusty streets. At the checkpoint, he ran into trouble. The guards at the gate immediately noticed his changed appearance¡ªhis white hair had drew suspicious looks.


    ¡°What happened to you, Kai?¡± one of the guards asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Kai hesitated, struggling to come up with an explanation. ¡°Uh... an accident in the mine,¡± he said, trying to sound casual. ¡°Chemicals, maybe.¡±


    The guard¡¯s frown deepened, clearly unconvinced. Just as Kai was beginning to worry, someone from the crowd stepped forward¡ªa miner he recognized from the tunnels.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± the miner said, addressing the guards. ¡°He¡¯s one of ours. You know Kai¡ªhe¡¯s always been a little reckless. Let him through.¡±


    The guards exchanged glances, then reluctantly waved him on. ¡°Be careful,¡± one muttered as Kai passed. Kai gave a nod of thanks to the miner.


    Once inside, Kai felt a growing sense of unease. The long walk from the mine to the town should have left him exhausted, but instead, he felt... fine. His body wasn¡¯t tired, not even sore. Yet he felt an intense thirst and hunger that gnawed at him like a fire burning inside. It was a strange contradiction¡ªhe felt strong, even invigorated, yet the need for sustenance was sharper than ever.


    Kai pushed open the creaking door of the bar he frequented, the dim interior a welcome contrast to the glaring sun outside. It was nearly empty this early in the day, save for the faint sound of glasses being wiped clean behind the counter.


    Behind the bar stood Lily, the familiar bartender who had become something of a confidant over his time here. She was a beautiful young woman, with striking emerald eyes that seemed to shift between green and gold in the light. Her long auburn hair was tied back in a loose braid, leaving a few stray strands to frame her delicate face. She wore a simple yet fitted blouse rolled up at the sleeves, revealing her slender arms.


    When she looked up and saw Kai, her expression shifted. First came recognition, then confusion, her brow furrowing as she took in his changed appearance.


    ¡°Kai?¡± she asked, setting the glass she had been drying onto the counter. ¡°What the hell happened to you?¡±


    "I don''t know, Lily," Kai muttered, sinking into a seat at the bar. She could see the exhaustion etched in his eyes, even though they looked... different. Despite the change in him, Lily was just glad he¡¯d come to her.


    ¡°The usual?¡± she asked casually, as if nothing about him had changed.


    ¡°The usual,¡± he confirmed, grateful for her ability to read him without pressing. That was why he kept coming back to her¡ªshe never pushed when it wasn¡¯t necessary. She just understood.


    Seeing his state, Lily took out some cold sandwich she made for herself that morning, she poured some whiskey over ice and placed the glass gently in front of him. It was a local brew, more of a cheap imitation of real whiskey, but it got the job done. Kai didn¡¯t mind¡ªit had grown on him over the past few months.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, and dug in, he washed the full mouth of food with the whole cup of whiskey in one gulp, letting the liquor burn his throat.


    ¡°Slowly,¡± Lily warned, taking the empty glass before he could gesture for a refill. She poured another drink, but this time, she didn¡¯t hand it to him. Instead, she leaned forward, her emerald eyes searching his. ¡°Tell me what¡¯s wrong,¡± she said firmly.


    Kai hesitated, not because of the murders, Lily had a way of keeping secrets, but because of how absurd the whole thing sounded. Even himself was struggling to process it all.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should say it,¡± he said quietly, avoiding her gaze.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± she replied, her tone gentle but her actions betraying her curiosity. She walked around the bar and sat down beside him, her presence warm and inviting.


    Kai sighed, defeated. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± He smiled faintly, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re dangerous, Lily.¡±


    She smirked. ¡°You know I had to hear what happened in the mine.¡±


    He began recounting the events. At first, he kept it brief, but Lily¡¯s piercing gaze pressed him to continue. Slowly, he told her everything¡ªabout the two miners he¡¯d killed in self-defense, the strange tattoo one of them had. Lily listened intently, her smile unwavering. When he confessed to the murders, her reaction wasn¡¯t shock but quiet approval.


    ¡°It is what it is,¡± she said simply, placing a comforting hand on his arm.


    Kai paused before mentioning the ancient ship. He took a sip of the imitation whiskey, letting it linger in his mouth. ¡°God, this tastes awful,¡± he muttered, chuckling softly.


    ¡°You get what you pay for,¡± Lily replied with a shrug and smiled. Her tone turned teasing. ¡°But... if you tell me the rest of the story, maybe I¡¯ll give you a taste of the real stuff. On the house.¡±


    Kai laughed. ¡°Alright, you win.¡± He continued, describing the ship, the diary, and finally the vial of strange liquid. His hand trembled slightly as he recounted how the substance had escaped the vial and invaded his body. He could still feel it¡ªthe alien sensation of something alive rewriting him from the inside out.


    Lily placed her hand on his, steadying him. ¡°You¡¯re okay now,¡± she said softly. Her calm demeanor reassured him.


    Kai had expected disbelief, maybe even ridicule, but Lily only smiled. She didn¡¯t call him crazy. She didn¡¯t recoil. She just listened, the same way she always did, with an unshakable steadiness that felt like an anchor in the chaos of his life.


    As he finished his second glass, she stood and took it from him. Without a word, she walked back behind the bar, letting the silence settle over them. Kai watched as she reached for a bottle on the top shelf. The label was unmistakable¡ªRegal Bourbon from Tyvaris 5. Kai knew it was a planet renowned across the galaxy for its whiskey.


    She poured a generous amount of the amber liquid over ice and slid the glass across the bar to him.


    ¡°On the house,¡± she said with a knowing smile.


    Kai caught the glass and nodded his thanks to Lily, appreciating her quiet support. Without hesitation, he took a sip. The whiskey was leagues beyond the imitation he was used to. Smooth and rich, it carried a deep, smoky flavor with hints of caramel and oak, leaving a warm, satisfying burn as it went down. It wasn¡¯t just a drink¡ªit was an experience, a moment of solace.Stolen novel; please report.


    After finishing the glass, Kai stood up, feeling the comfortable buzz settling over him. He pulled out a few bills and placed them on the counter, along with a generous tip. It was his way of repaying Lily¡¯s kindness and understanding.


    ¡°Take care of yourself,¡± Lily said softly, her emerald eyes watching him as he adjusted his jacket.


    Kai gave her a faint smile and nodded. The dizziness was pleasant, not enough to hinder him, but enough to remind him that, for a brief moment, he¡¯d found some peace.


    Kai was just about to step outside when Lily¡¯s voice stopped him.


    ¡°Kai,¡± she called, her tone serious yet cautious. ¡°I just thought of something that might interest you.¡±


    He turned back toward her, raising an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°There are some big players in town,¡± she said, lowering her voice as if to avoid somehow being overheard in an empty bar. ¡°Someone from the Federation homeworld landed in the city recently. I¡¯m not sure what they¡¯re looking for, but a couple of friends told me things aren¡¯t looking good. Word is, there might be a war brewing between the Federation and the Empire, and they¡¯re trying to force people to pick sides.¡±


    Kai nodded, her words sinking in. He was already planning to head to the city to sell the location of the ship, but now there was the chance to see the Federation players up close. The thought filled him with a strange mix of excitement and dread.


    ¡°Thanks for the information, Lily,¡± he said, a small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. ¡°And thanks for the drinks.¡±


    Lily smiled warmly, waving him off. ¡°Be careful, Kai. And come back anytime.¡± As he turned to leave, she added, ¡°Oh, and¡­ I think the white hair suits you.¡±


    Kai glanced over his shoulder and caught a faint blush rising on her cheeks. He chuckled softly to himself as he stepped out into the sunlight. The visit to Lily had lightened his spirit. Whatever had happened to his body, whatever changes the liquid had made, it didn¡¯t matter so much now. Life had to go on.


    He¡¯d visit the city, sell the ship¡¯s location, and come back to the mine. Everything would stay the same¡ªat least, that¡¯s what he told himself. Deep down, though, he had a feeling life was about to take a very different turn.


    Kai walked through the bustling main street of the town, where the morning rush hour was in full swing. Vendors lined the streets, their makeshift stalls overflowing with goods. Some shouted over each other to advertise their wares¡ªfresh produce, handmade trinkets, secondhand tools, and everything in between. The air smelled of spiced food cooking on open grills, mingling with the faint tang of machine oil from the mechanics¡¯ shops nearby.


    Children darted through the crowd, playing games that seemed to have no clear rules, their laughter rising above the din. A boy chased after a makeshift toy spaceship on wheels, while a group of girls gathered near a stall, bartering for colorful ribbons. Carts rumbled over the uneven road, pulled by old hover engines barely functional enough to float. Kai pushed his way though the crowd.


    Kai made his way to the far side of the town, where the noise of the market began to fade. He reached the landing pad, a worn concrete platform on the edge of town. There, an old, decommissioned spaceship rested¡ªa relic from a time long past. The ship was a patchwork of old parts scavenged from other vessels, its hull a mismatched mosaic of colors where repairs had been made over the years. Its once-proud name, barely legible under layers of grime and paint, hinted at a military origin. Now, it served as a humble shuttle, connecting the town to the distant city.


    The engines hummed faintly, their whine uneven, as mechanics fussed over one of the stabilizers. A ramp extended from the ship¡¯s side, creaking under the weight of passengers loading cargo and luggage. Its interior was dimly lit, with exposed wiring snaking along the walls.


    Kai picked up his pace as he approached the front of the ship, where a short man in a worn pilot uniform stood leaning against the hull. Ray, the ship¡¯s owner and operator, looked up and gave Kai a quick once-over.


    ¡°Kai? What the hell happened to you?¡± Ray asked, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.


    Kai frowned. ¡°Please, Ray, this is the third time someone¡¯s asked me that.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Ray said, raising his hands in mock surrender. ¡°As long as you¡¯re paying the fare, I don¡¯t care what you look like. You could switch genders for all I care. Speaking of which, I know a guy who can get you a discount on the procedure, if you¡¯re interested,¡± he added with a mischievous grin.


    Kai shook his head, exasperated. ¡°Just a ride will do, thanks.¡±


    Ray glanced toward the crowded loading ramp. ¡°Tell you what,¡± he said, jerking his thumb toward the cockpit, ¡°there are too many people back there. How about you ride up front with me today, big guy? I heard you¡¯ve been dreaming of your own ship.¡±


    Kai chuckled. ¡°Sure, just not something like this dust bucket of yours.¡±


    ¡°One more bad word about her,¡± Ray shot back, grinning, ¡°and you¡¯re riding with the rest of them in that cramped space.¡± He laughed as Kai handed over the fare, then pocketed the money and gestured for Kai to follow him.


    Ray led him into the cockpit and gestured toward the co-pilot¡¯s seat. The ship was an old Federation dropship, repurposed for its new civilian role. The pilot¡¯s seat was positioned in front of the co-pilot¡¯s, following the classic military design. In its original form, the co-pilot would have had access to remote turret controls, but on this decommissioned model, all the weapons had been stripped out long ago.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t touch anything, alright?¡± Ray said, settling into his seat and flipping a few switches.


    ¡°Yes, Ray, I won¡¯t touch a thing,¡± Kai replied, keeping his arms folded to make a point.


    The cockpit filled with a sharp whining noise as the ship¡¯s four VTOL thrusters powered on. Outside, a few late passengers hurried up the loading ramp as dust kicked into the air, momentarily obscuring Kai¡¯s view. The ship gave a shudder as the thrusters strained to lift the heavy, patched-together vessel off the ground. For a brief moment, Kai worried the old thing might not make it.


    Then Ray grinned, pushed the throttle forward with confidence, and the ship rattled violently as it broke free of the ground. The thrusters roared, and the vessel began its slow climb, the scenery of the town growing smaller below them.


    ¡°She¡¯s got some life in her yet, doesn¡¯t she?¡± Ray said, clearly proud of his workhorse.


    Kai smirked, his initial doubts fading as they ascended. For all its flaws, the old ship had character¡ªand for now, it would get him where he needed to go.


    Jokes aside, Kai loved the feeling of being in the air. Up here, he felt a sense of freedom he rarely experienced on the ground. The view below mesmerized him¡ªthe patchwork of landscapes growing smaller as the ship climbed higher. The horizon curved gently, a reminder of the planet¡¯s vastness. Above him, the infinite expanse of space stretched out, dotted with countless stars.


    For a fleeting moment, his gaze locked on one of those stars, and he watched as it seemed to vanish. A wave of fear gripped him as the memory of his vision flooded back¡ªthe star-eating entity, vast and incomprehensible, consuming the light of entire systems. His chest tightened, and he felt his heartbeat quicken. Then, just as suddenly, the star reappeared, no longer obscured by dust on the cockpit window. Relief washed over him, though the lingering fear remained. The vision felt so far-fetched, yet it had been disturbingly vivid.


    The dropship climbed steadily, its four massive VTOL engines straining to carry it to the edge of Drakmoor¡¯s atmosphere. Despite their power, the ship was never designed for full orbital travel, and it hovered near the boundary where the sky gave way to space. The thrusters rotated, shifting their output to propel the ship forward toward the city.


    Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire Ray¡¯s skill as a pilot. Flying this old dropship wasn¡¯t as simple as taking off and landing. Every movement had to be carefully calculated to ensure maximum efficiency, especially with a patched-together ship like this. Kai found himself wondering about Ray¡¯s past¡ªwhat kind of life he¡¯d led before becoming a shuttle pilot.


    The question lingered on the edge of his tongue, but he decided to save it for another time. His body reminded him of how long it had been since he¡¯d rested. Nearly 24 hours without sleep was catching up to him.


    Leaning back in the rigid military-style seat, Kai closed his eyes. The hard surface was far from comfortable, but exhaustion overtook him quickly. Within minutes, he was drifting off, the hum of the ship¡¯s engines lulling him into sleep.


    Kai felt the weight shift beneath him and snapped awake. The serenity of the flight was gone, replaced by chaos as Ray wrestled with the controls.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kai asked, gripping the sides of his seat.


    "We just lost control," Ray said.

 4. The City

    Ray¡¯s tone was calm but urgent. ¡°One of the vertical stabilizers is acting up. I thought the ground crew fixed it for sure, but it¡¯s gone out again.¡±


    ¡°What happens if it¡¯s not fixed?¡± Kai pressed.


    Ray didn¡¯t mince words. ¡°We won¡¯t be able to make a landing. We¡¯ll have to eject.¡±


    Kai¡¯s stomach dropped. ¡°And the passengers? What happens to them if we do?¡±


    Ray didn¡¯t answer, and let the heavy silence spoke.


    ¡°Can you fix it?¡± Kai asked.


    ¡°I can try, but someone needs to keep this thing in the air. And that someone can¡¯t be me while I¡¯m working on a fix,¡± Ray said.


    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Just teach me enough to keep it steady.¡±


    Ray hesitated, glancing at him. ¡°Alright, alright, no choice now,¡± he muttered, running through the basics of the controls as fast as he could. ¡°Just keep her level¡ªdon¡¯t try anything fancy.¡±


    With a deep breath, Ray handed over the controls, and Kai¡¯s right hand gripped the joystick. The moment it came alive under his grip, the ship tipped to the left. Kai instinctively corrected it, but the adjustment was too much, and the ship began to tilt to the right.


    He gritted his teeth, trying to find balance. The ship felt lighter than he¡¯d expected, but also deceptively sensitive. Slowly, he adjusted, making the ship hover on its original path while Ray scrambled to troubleshoot the stabilizer.


    As he focused, Kai felt a strange heat building in his right arm. A faint blue pulse caught his eye, and he realized his arm was glowing faintly. It wasn¡¯t painful¡ªinstead, it felt like the liquid inside him was gathering there, sharpening his reflexes. His grip on the joystick grew steadier, his movements precise. Each adjustment felt deliberate, almost natural, as if the ship were an extension of his body. He stabilized the ship and guided it forward, calm and in control.


    ¡°I can¡¯t fix it from inside,¡± Ray muttered in frustration. ¡°The only way is to repair it from outside, but we can¡¯t get out until this thing¡¯s on the ground.¡± He glanced back at the console and then up at Kai. His eyes widened. ¡°Wait... did you do this? You stabilized the ship?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying but I''m not sure if it will work¡± Kai replied, his voice steady. He felt every subtle movement in the controls, as though his senses had been heightened. Each micro-movement he made translated perfectly into the ship¡¯s adjustments.


    Ray¡¯s face lit up with excitement. ¡°No, no¡ªthis is perfect! You keep it stable, and I¡¯ll handle the landing.¡±


    Kai nodded, focusing entirely on the fine control of the ship. The city loomed in the distance, its skyline dotted with flashing green and red lights marking the landing pads. As Ray adjusted the angle and speed, every change required a corresponding correction from Kai, but he managed it effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise.


    Ray hailed the city¡¯s landing service, declaring an emergency. The response was immediate, and a landing pad was cleared. As the ship descended, Ray guided it carefully, while Kai¡¯s precise control kept the ship steady.


    The moment the ship touched down, Kai compensated until the weight settled evenly. The cockpit fell silent, both men stayed quiet.


    Then Ray let out a booming laugh, the tension breaking in an instant. ¡°You did it, kid! Damn, you did it!¡±


    Kai joined in, the relief bubbling out of him. Both men laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the small cockpit. It wasn¡¯t just relief¡ªit was triumph. Against all odds, they had landed the ship safely.


    Ray let the passengers disembark, their chatter and laughter suggesting they hadn¡¯t even realized there had been a problem with the ship. Kai watched them go, surprised by how oblivious they seemed to the danger they had just escaped.


    Ray patted Kai on the shoulder as they both stepped down onto the landing pad. ¡°That was some fine flying back there. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve never flown a ship before,¡± he said with a grin.


    Kai shrugged and managed a modest smile. ¡°I just tried my best, Ray.¡±


    Ray chuckled, then handed Kai a bundle of cash. ¡°Here, kid. Take the money. You just saved everyone¡¯s life on this ship. You deserve it.¡±


    Kai hesitated for a moment before taking it. ¡°Thank you, Ray,¡± he said sincerely, pocketing the money.


    Just then, a man came jogging toward them, his heavy boots pounding against the landing pad. His thick mustache bounced with every step, and his face was a storm of anger.


    ¡°Ray!¡± the man¡¯s deep voice boomed as he stopped in front of the pilot. His massive frame towered over Ray, who seemed unimpressed by the man¡¯s imposing presence. ¡°Did you declare an emergency landing just to unload your passengers faster? Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll let it slide because we were battle buddies. You¡¯re getting fined for this!¡±


    Ray shrugged, gesturing toward the ship¡¯s stabilizer. ¡°We really did have an emergency. Go ahead and touch the stabilizer¡ªit¡¯s still cold. It failed mid-flight. And if it weren¡¯t for this gentleman¡¯s fine flying skills, we¡¯d all be dead right now.¡±


    The man stroked his mustache, his glare shifting between Ray and the stabilizer. He approached the ship, kneeling by the stabilizer thrusters. Tentatively, he placed a hand on the cold metal, feeling its inert surface. It was clear the stabilizer hadn¡¯t activated during the descent¡ªthe surrounding area lacked the usual scorch marks from heat emissions, and the thruster ports themselves were clean and cold to the touch.


    Standing up, the man turned to Kai, his gaze softening slightly. ¡°So, you¡¯re the one who kept the ship steady,¡± he said, studying him.


    Kai nodded. ¡°Just did what I could.¡±


    The man grunted, his tone begrudgingly respectful. "I''m Captain Thomas. Fine flying for someone this young. If you ever thought about joining the federation navy, you come and find me, the navy can use someone like you.¡±


    Kai felt a flicker of pride but kept his expression neutral. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said simply.


    Ray smirked. ¡°So, about that fine¡­¡±


    The man scowled at Ray but said nothing, turning on his heel and stalking off, his mustache quivering as he muttered under his breath. Ray and Kai exchanged a glance, then burst into quiet laughter.


    After parting ways with Ray, Kai wandered into the bustling city. It was just as lively as he remembered. Vendors shouted to passersby from stalls lining the streets, vehicles honked their horns as they navigated crowded intersections, and people of all walks of life moved with purpose through the chaos. The city was alive with energy, a stark contrast to the stillness of the mines and the quiet moments of his flight, it made Kai picked up his steps and walked faster.


    Kai set his sights on the tall buildings in the distance and started walking toward them. His destination was the headquarters of the mining company. The city was simply called The City, much like Lily¡¯s bar, which was just The Bar. Why bother with unique names when there was only one of its kind? Efficiency trumped creativity here.


    The walk through the city took some time. By the time Kai arrived, it was lunch hour, and the streets were packed with vehicles and pedestrians. He noticed someone lingering at a corner, their eyes fixed on him. His appearance had been drawing attention ever since the incident in the mine, so he dismissed it and kept moving.


    Finally, he reached his destination: Draco Mining. Kai didn¡¯t care much for the company¡¯s elaborate name or branding¡ªit was just the mining company to him, the only one that mattered on Drakmoor.


    The building was an imposing structure, its gleaming facade designed to impress. Kai climbed the wide marble steps leading to the entrance and stepped into the main hall. Inside, the air was cool and filled with the faint hum of machinery. Employees and visitors moved through the expansive space, their shoes clicking on the polished floors.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Kai stood out starkly from the rest of the crowd in the pristine hall. His rugged clothes, designed to protect against the harsh wilderness, were a stark contrast to the sharp suits and polished shoes of the employees and visitors around him. He didn¡¯t belong to this life, and he didn¡¯t care too. He wasn¡¯t here to impress anyone.


    He approached the front desk, a grand structure carved from polished marble that gleamed under the overhead lights. The edges were flawlessly smooth, and the desk curved slightly to add an air of sophistication. Behind it, in massive, golden letters, the words DRACO MINING were emblazoned on the wall, shining like a symbol of power and wealth.


    The receptionist was a young woman, likely in her twenties, with a polished, professional demeanor. Her makeup was meticulously applied, accentuating her sharp cheekbones and full lips, giving her the look of someone who radiated confidence and beauty. Her appearance practically screamed, Look at me¡ªI¡¯m perfect.


    Kai stopped before her, feeling slightly out of place in his dusty, travel-worn clothes. The receptionist looked up, her perfectly arched eyebrow raising slightly as her gaze swept over him. Despite her poised demeanor, there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes.


    ¡°How can I help you?¡± the receptionist asked, her tone polished and professional.


    ¡°Uh¡­ I want to report a lead for a discovery in the mine,¡± Kai said, scratching the back of his head.


    ¡°Oh, a vein?¡± Her curiosity piqued, her posture straightened slightly.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ something like that,¡± he replied, trying to keep his tone casual.


    ¡°Alright, sir. Please take the elevator up to the 50th floor,¡± she said with a practiced smile. ¡°I¡¯ll notify someone to assist you with your valuable information. Thank you for your work with Draco Mining.¡± She gestured toward the elevator, which, as if on cue, had its doors opened and waiting.


    Kai nodded his thanks and stepped into the elevator. The button for the 50th floor was already glowing, casting a faint golden light onto the polished steel interior. As the doors slid shut, he felt a pang of discomfort. Despite his love for flying, elevators always unsettled him. The cramped, enclosed space seemed to close in around him as the elevator shot upward with a faint hum.


    He pressed himself into a corner, watching the floor numbers tick up rapidly on the display above the doors. The change in pressure made his ears pop, and he swallowed to adjust. His heartbeat quickened slightly as the elevator slowed, signaling its arrival.


    Ting.


    The soft chime of the bell announced his stop. The elevator doors slid open, revealing the 50th floor. Kai stood still for a moment, bracing himself for what came next. Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and out of the elevator.


    ¡°Hi, you must be the miner with the lead. Please, follow me,¡± a woman greeted him as the elevator doors opened. Her tone was polite, her movements precise as she gave him a small bow before leading him down a sleek corridor.


    Kai followed her silently, noting how her heels clicked rhythmically against the polished floor. She brought him to an exclusive meeting room with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city below. The midday sun casting a golden glow over the few skyscrapers and bustling streets.


    The woman paused, allowing Kai a moment to take in the impressive scene.


    ¡°Mr. Draco will be with you shortly,¡± she said, her tone even and professional. With a small nod, she stepped out of the room and closed the door behind her, leaving Kai alone with the view¡ªand his thoughts.


    Since the moment Kai had entered the building, everyone had been professional and kind to him. Yet, curiously, not a single person had asked for his name. The realization sank in¡ªthey weren¡¯t kind because of who he was, but because of the potential value of the information he carried.


    And then, the first name anyone mentioned was Mr. Draco himself.


    Kai understood now: in this place, a name wasn¡¯t just a label¡ªit was a powerplay. Only the most powerful individual warranted the recognition of their name. Everyone else was a role, a function, a part of the machinery that kept the system running.


    As the thought lingered, Kai smirked. Maybe he should suggest to Lily that she put her name on the bar¡¯s sign¡ªLily¡¯s Bar. It would give her the recognition she deserved and remind everyone who they were really coming to see.


    The door swung open, and Kai turned to see an middle aged man step inside. He was the embodiment of wealth and authority, his presence commanding the room without a word. His sleek, jet-black hair was styled immaculately, combed back with precision that hinted at meticulous care. His hazel-eyes felt as if they could see into Kai''s deepest thoughts. His suit was unlike anything Kai had ever seen¡ªdeep navy with intricate gold patterns woven into the fabric, shimmering subtly under the light. The patterns resembled delicate veins of precious metal, running across the jacket and cuffs, accentuating the sharp lines of his tailored attire. A golden tie bar and cufflinks completed the ensemble, adding a touch of understated extravagance. His polished shoes clicked softly against the floor as he approached.


    "Mr. Kai Renn," Draco said, his voice smooth as silk. He paused for effect, then motioned to the chair in front of him. "Please, sit."


    The use of his name struck Kai immediately. He had never seen these people before, never given them his name, yet Draco spoke it with ease, as if he had known it all along. It was a demonstration of control, a subtle reminder of who held the power in this room. Even though Kai stood a head taller than the man, the authority Draco exuded was palpable. Kai disliked the feeling of being outmaneuvered, but he sat down anyway, keeping his composure.


    Draco took the seat opposite of him, fixing Kai with a steady gaze. For once, Kai spoke first.


    "Is Draco your real name?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.


    Draco allowed himself a small smile. "No, it¡¯s not. It¡¯s a title, reserved for the highest position in the company. As for my real name... it¡¯s a secret, even to most of our employees. Perhaps I¡¯ll tell you, if your information proves to be valuable."


    Kai smirked, leaning back in his chair as he reached into his pocket. He retrieved the small container with the sample he¡¯d brought and placed it on the table. Then he crossed his arms, letting Draco lean in curiously. If this was going to be a game of power, Kai was determined to play it on equal footing. He may have been a miner, but he wasn¡¯t a fool.


    "What am I looking at?" Draco asked, his tone measured.


    "This," Kai said calmly, "is a piece from the outer door of a spaceship."


    Draco raised an eyebrow. "A door? I thought you were here because you found a vein in my mine."


    Kai kept his grin in place. "Yes, this piece might not seem valuable. But the real value lies in the location and origin of the ship it came from."


    Draco¡¯s interest was piqued, though his expression remained cool. "Do tell, then."


    Kai knew he had Draco now. He had to sell this perfectly if he wanted to walk away with more than just scraps.


    "The first strange thing about my discovery," he began, "is where I found the ship. It was buried 200 meters below ground, in one of the uncharted tunnels of your mine. I¡¯m sure you understand how unusual that is."


    Draco nodded slightly, urging him to continue.


    "And the second strange thing is the origin of the ship. I found information inside it¡ª" Kai chose not to pull out the notebook from his bag; its contents were too sensitive to risk revealing now. "The ship belonged to a faction called the USSF. I¡¯m not certain what the ¡®US¡¯ stands for, but the ¡®SF¡¯ clearly stands for Space Force. Their flag had 50 stars on it. Now, here¡¯s the question: why would a power capable of rivaling the Empire and the Federation be absent from our history books? Why is it not taught to our children as part of their education? Don¡¯t you think the powerhouses of humanity are hiding something from both you and me?"


    Draco leaned back, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "How much do you think this information is worth?" he asked.


    Kai hesitated for a moment. He hadn¡¯t expected Draco to make an offer this quickly. "For me," Kai said carefully, "this is priceless. It¡¯s a secret with the potential to shake the foundations of both the Federation and the Empire."


    Kai studied Draco¡¯s face, watching for any reaction. This was a gamble, a dangerous one. If Draco Mining was aligned with either faction, this could land him in a cell for treason. But Kai was betting on Draco¡¯s ambitions, on his hunger for power and independence. A businessman like Draco wouldn¡¯t just hand over a mystery this enticing without exploring it first. If he played this right, Kai could make Draco Mining a name whispered across the galaxy.


    Draco remained silent for a long moment, considering the proposition. He hadn¡¯t expected this when he woke up this morning. On one hand, the prudent choice would be to turn this information over to the Federation¡ªlikely the safer option given their interest in securing secrets. On the other hand, the idea of an unknown faction, a whole new mystery, was irresistible.


    A ship buried deep in one of his mines, linked to a force that had somehow vanished from history? Draco¡¯s curiosity burned. He wanted this ship for himself, to unravel its secrets, to add it to his personal collection. It was worth the risk. And then there was Kai himself¡ªthe confidence in his eyes, the calmness in his demeanor. It was rare for a miner to handle negotiations so deftly. Even if the information proved to be false, Draco saw potential in the man.


    Finally, Draco spoke, his voice steady. "You¡¯ve given me a lot to think about, Mr. Renn. If what you¡¯re saying is true, I believe we can come to an agreement. The question is, can you deliver what you¡¯re promising?"


    "Yes, if you like, I can take you to the mine first thing in the morning," Kai said with a nod, his voice steady.


    "Well then, what better way to confirm than seeing it with my own eyes," Draco replied with a smile, standing and extending his hand. "And since you¡¯ve earned it, you can call me Kevin."


    Kai stood as well, meeting Kevin¡¯s hand with a firm shake. ¡°Looks like we have a deal.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Kevin said, his smile widening. ¡°It was your confidence that convinced me. Please, enjoy a stay on my expense.¡±


    Kai nodded, watching as Kevin reached for the sample on the table. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind,¡± Kevin said.


    Kai pushed it toward him. ¡°Please.¡±


    Kevin picked up the sample and studied it briefly before tucking it into his pocket. ¡°Thank you again,¡± he said. As he turned to leave, he paused at the doorway. ¡°Oh, one more thing¡ªten million.¡±


    Kai raised an eyebrow, unsure.


    ¡°Ten million credits and a position in the company,¡± Kevin clarified with a grin. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m offering.¡±


    Before Kai could respond, Kevin smiled again and walked out, leaving him standing in the room with more to think about than he had anticipated.

 5. A Girl Who Wore Make Up

    Kai stood under the steaming shower, the fog curling around him like a shroud. His thoughts were heavy, but the warm water offered a brief reprieve from the day¡¯s chaos. A man in a suit had led him to the suite he was now occupying¡ªa luxurious one nestled in a different wing of the Draco building, which doubled as a high-end hotel for distinguished guests.


    The suite was a masterpiece of futuristic design, blending sleek functionality with unmatched opulence. The walls were made of smooth, polished alloy, their metallic sheen subtly illuminated by soft, ambient lights that adjusted to Kai¡¯s presence. A sprawling floor to ceiling window offered a breathtaking view of the city, the shimmering skyline stretching out under a blanket of stars.


    The furniture was both minimalistic and sophisticated, with clean lines and soft curves. The sofa seemed to hover slightly above the floor, its base hidden by discreet magnetic technology. The bed, larger than any Kai had ever seen, was dressed in fabric that shimmered like liquid silver, promising comfort beyond his imagination. A holographic interface on the wall allowed full control of the suite¡ªlighting, climate, even entertainment at the touch of a finger or a simple voice command.


    The bathroom was equally extravagant. The shower Kai stood in was enclosed in glass that frosted for privacy at the wave of a hand. A mirror displayed real-time readouts of his vitals and could even project soothing visuals or news updates if he desired. The floors were warmed beneath his feet, and every surface seemed to exude a quiet luxury.


    Kai couldn¡¯t believe how a place like this could coexist with the barren, unforgiving planet outside. The contrast was staggering. Despite the luxury surrounding him, his mind refused to settle. Ever since his discovery of the strange liquid that had invaded his body, his life had been a whirlwind of danger and uncertainty.


    What exactly have I gotten myself into? he wondered, letting the warm water wash over him, hoping it could rinse away his troubling thoughts. What he needed now was food and some rest.


    He turned off the shower and reached for a clean towel. Drying himself off, he searched for a place to hang it but found none. Spotting a sleek basket in the corner, he tossed the towel in with a slight shake of his head. This place will always choose comfort over sustainability, he reminded himself.


    Stepping out of the bathroom, he froze. His clothes were gone. His heart leaped, a surge of paranoia coursing through him. Had Kevin played him after all?


    Kai rushed into the main room, still naked, scanning the room until his eyes landed on the desk. His bag sat exactly where he¡¯d left it. He exhaled a shaky breath and hurried over, checking inside. Everything was still there, including the notebook. He stared at it for a moment, gripping it tightly. I need to be more careful, he thought. Just because he had struck a deal with Kevin didn¡¯t mean they were friends.


    Kai noticed a neatly folded set of clothes left outside the bathroom. On top of the clothes was a small note, written in precise, elegant handwriting:


    Kai,


    I trust you¡¯ll find your accommodations to your liking. Please enjoy your stay and make full use of the facilities. Attached is your room key/credit card for any additional expenses you may incur during your time here. You cloth will return to you after cleaning. Consider it a gesture of goodwill and trust in our partnership.


    Looking forward to tomorrow.


    - Kevin


    Clipped to the note was a sleek black credit card, embossed with a gold logo that matched the opulence of everything else in the suite. Kai stared at it for a moment, the gesture feeling both generous and calculated. A show of power and wealth, he thought, but he tucked the card into his pocket. For now, it was another resource in his arsenal.


    Kai slipped into the clothes, finding that they struck a perfect balance between formal and casual. The suit was comfortable, made from a lightweight, durable material that hinted at practicality. The design subtly embodied the mining heritage of Draco¡ªcharcoal-gray fabric with fine gold stitching running along the seams, resembling the veins of precious metals found deep underground. The cuffs bore an embossed emblem of the company. It was attire meant to remind him of Draco¡¯s dominance while ensuring he looked sharp enough to represent them.


    Kai adjusted the suit, appreciating its fit, but he couldn¡¯t help feeling a little too exposed without his usual jacket. It had been a staple of his wardrobe for years, and he hoped he¡¯d reunite with it soon. He pocketed the sleek black card, straightened his cuffs, and opened the door to his guest room.


    If he remembered correctly, the elevator was just down the hallway. He paused, debating his options: he could dine in one of the building¡¯s restaurants or venture out into the city. The memory of feeling watched earlier came back to him, and the decision was easy. Staying inside the Draco building felt safer for now.


    Kai stepped into the elevator and descended to the second floor, which housed a diner primarily used by Draco employees during the day. It was a practical space, a corporate cantina designed for efficiency rather than elegance. The smell of freshly prepared food greeted him as he stepped out, and the low hum of conversation filled the air.


    Kai figured a quick meal here would do the trick. He¡¯d eat, then head back to his room to rest. After all, the less attention he drew, the better.


    Hunger gnawed at him again, sharper than usual. Whatever changes had occurred in his body seemed to demand more fuel. He grabbed a full tray of food, and found an empty table in a quiet corner, away from the bustling employees. Though he didn¡¯t admire the unnecessary luxury of these people¡¯s lives, he had to admit their food looked, and smelled¡ªdelicious. And since it was all free, why not indulge a little?


    Halfway through devouring his meal, he heard the sharp, rhythmic clicking of high heels on the polished floor. His appetite paused as he looked up to see the receptionist from earlier approaching him.


    She was just as delicately beautiful as before, with a face like a porcelain doll¡ªperfectly composed, with flawless skin and softly painted lips. Her professional demeanor hadn¡¯t faded, and her graceful movements seemed almost rehearsed. As her hazel eyes met his, Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile at her.


    Kai had to remind himself that the woman before him possessed a different kind of beauty¡ªa beauty that provided leverage. Unlike the natural, unpretentious allure that Lily exuded from within, the beauty he witnessed now was carefully crafted, manmade, and potentially dangerous.


    He put down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin. He didn¡¯t speak, waiting for her to make the first move. When she pulled out the chair across from him and sat down, he didn¡¯t offer assistance. He didn¡¯t want to give her the wrong impression.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t let me stop you,¡± she said, placing a small plate of food on the table. It was barely a meal in Kai¡¯s eyes. There¡¯s no way that¡¯s enough food for her, he thought, but he said nothing.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!


    The receptionist noticed his gaze and smiled, her expression polished yet disarming. ¡°Oh, my manners,¡± she said lightly. ¡°I¡¯m Eliana. And if you don¡¯t mind, may I have yours?¡±


    ¡°Kai,¡± he replied simply. Then, with a slight nod, he added, ¡°Thanks for the help earlier, Eliana.¡±


    "Don¡¯t be so formal, Kai,¡± Eliana said, her tone light and friendly. ¡°I was just doing my job. Speaking of which, I¡¯m on my meal break now, so let¡¯s talk like we¡¯re off the clock, alright?¡± She flashed a practiced smile, her perfect white teeth catching the light. ¡°I think you look good in that suit,¡± she added, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.


    Kai nodded his thanks, but inwardly, he wondered if the blush was as practiced as the smile. Why had she chosen to sit at his table when there were plenty of other empty ones? A younger version of himself might have thought she was interested in him, but maturing had taught him otherwise. The world wasn¡¯t just about hormones and desires.


    Deciding not to beat around the bush, Kai leaned back slightly, his gaze steady. He didn¡¯t care much for her opinion of him. He wasn¡¯t here to impress her or make friends. He was here to do business, to make a profit, to achieve his dream.


    ¡°So,¡± he said, his tone direct, ¡°what brings you to my table, Eliana?¡±


    Kai studied Eliana carefully, noting that his direct question didn¡¯t elicit even a flicker of surprise. If her answer seemed contrived or far-fetched, he was ready to end the conversation and leave.


    Eliana, however, didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I was curious about what you found in the mine,¡± she said evenly. ¡°It¡¯s not every day someone comes in with a lead on a new vein. I just wanted to know how that feels.¡±


    Kai paused, weighing her words. He remembered that he¡¯d told her he¡¯d found a vein earlier, which was why she had sent him up in the first place. Low-level employees probably don¡¯t have access to sensitive information, he thought.


    ¡°The information still requires validation,¡± Kai replied calmly. ¡°So, right now, it¡¯s just my word against theirs. But... finding a vein is like winning the lottery¡ªonly it¡¯s a lottery you play with your life.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s expression shifted, her smile fading slightly. ¡°Must be exciting when you do find one,¡± she said softly, her tone laced with melancholy. ¡°I can¡¯t imagine what that feels like. My work... it¡¯s the same every day. Nothing ever changes.¡±


    Her eyes glistened slightly, and for a moment, Kai wasn¡¯t sure if she was genuinely emotional or playing a part. He decided to keep it professional. ¡°Trust me,¡± he said, his voice steady, ¡°far more people lose their lives than find success. It¡¯s not a life for someone like you.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s expression hardened, her tone sharpening. ¡°Someone like me? What kind of person do you think I am?¡±


    Kai raised his hands slightly in a gesture of peace. ¡°Sorry, I meant no offense. I just meant... the mines are a different world. There¡¯s usually more fighting than talking down there.¡± His words were straightforward, matter-of-fact.


    For a moment, the tension hung in the air, and Kai waited to see how she would respond.


    "Do you want to spar with me?" Eliana asked, her tone cool but laced with challenge.


    "I''m sorry?" Kai blinked, certain he¡¯d misheard her.


    "Fight me," she clarified, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And see if I¡¯m the kind of girl you think I am."


    Kai¡¯s gaze flicked to her plate¡ªa delicate egg salad sandwich and a few pieces of fruit. The contrast between her bold words and her dainty meal caught him completely off guard.


    Eliana noticed his glance and smiled. ¡°I know a place,¡± she continued, leaning forward slightly, ¡°but only if you accept the challenge. Or are you too scared?¡±


    Kai chuckled, shaking his head. "A little exercise after lunch won¡¯t hurt," he said with a smirk. ¡°Fine. But what¡¯s the prize for this fight?¡±


    Eliana tilted her head thoughtfully, then her smile turned playful. ¡°If I win, you¡¯ll have to take me to the mine one day.¡±


    Kai raised an eyebrow. ¡°And if I win?¡±


    Eliana paused, her gaze locking with his. Her voice dropped slightly, and a sly smile curled her lips. ¡°If you win... I¡¯ll let you know me better.¡±


    Her suggestive tone wasn¡¯t lost on Kai. He leaned back in his chair.


    To say that Eliana''s offer wasn¡¯t tempting would have been a lie. Kai was a normal man with normal desires, and the way she presented her challenge stirred something primal in him. But he wasn¡¯t naive. He knew there was more to her proposition than just flirtation.


    What the hell, he thought. If she wants to play games, I¡¯ll play along. Let¡¯s find out what she¡¯s really after.


    He leaned forward slightly, his smirk unwavering. ¡°Alright, Eliana. Let¡¯s see if you can back up that confidence.¡±


    "Alright, my shift ends in 30 minutes. I''ll meet you at the training room on the 15th floor in an hour" Eliana said with a playful smile. She finished her food with surprising speed, flashed an innocent grin at Kai, and walked off, leaving him to ponder her boldness.


    Kai stared after her for a moment, then turned his attention back to his tray. He didn¡¯t want to waste the rest of the food, but he also didn¡¯t want to fight with a full stomach. He flagged down a server, asked for some containers, and packed up the leftovers. With his meal stored away, he returned to his room to prepare.


    ---


    Kevin¡ªor as most called him, Mr. Draco¡ªstood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office, his silhouette framed by the sprawling cityscape below. From his vantage point, he could see the entire city and even the barren horizon beyond. His hands were clasped behind his back, his posture rigid as he focused.


    The miner who had come in earlier that morning had delivered news that far surpassed the value of any discovered vein. It was something that should only exist in legends.


    ¡°Mr. Draco,¡± a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. His assistant stood by the door, a stack of reports in her arms.


    ¡°Leave them on the table, thank you,¡± he said, waving a hand without turning. She nodded, setting them down quietly before leaving.


    Kevin''s mind was elsewhere. If the miner¡¯s claims were true¡ªif they aligned with the stories passed down from his father and grandfather¡ªit could mean the resurfacing of something far more important than any resource or power struggle. A secret that, if discovered by the wrong people, could bring about the destruction of humanity itself.


    He took a slow, deep breath, yet his heart continued to race. Kevin prided himself on being unshakable, a man who had seen and controlled much in his lifetime. But the thought of facing the legend sent an uncharacteristic rush of adrenaline through his veins.


    He turned from the window, his expression unreadable. "I¡¯ll just have to see it for myself," he murmured to himself.


    ---


    Kai changed his cloth under a servers instructions and entered the training room, a serene space with polished wooden floors and paper-paneled walls that let in soft, golden light. At its center was a circular sparring stage, slightly elevated and marked with faint concentric rings, surrounded by neatly rolled mats and racks of training weapons.


    Eliana knelt in the middle of the stage, her legs tucked neatly beneath her, eyes closed in meditation. Her posture was straight, her breathing steady, and she seemed completely focused, a calm energy radiating from her that contrasted with her earlier playful demeanor.


    Kai felt a pang of guilt; perhaps he¡¯d judged her too quickly. Still, it didn¡¯t matter now. He would discover the truth of who she really was by testing her skills. Kai was no martial artist, but his years spent surviving on the streets of Velmorra had taught him to fight hard and fight to win. He wasn¡¯t sure if Eliana was ready for that kind of raw, unrestrained combat.


    He stepped into the circle, approaching Eliana. She had removed her makeup, and for the first time, Kai saw her natural face. Without the polish, her features were softer, her freckles visible, and her complexion more human, less doll-like. Her eyes, no longer framed by cosmetics, seemed clearer, more earnest. She looks better this way, Kai thought.


    Eliana sensed Kai¡¯s approach but didn¡¯t open her eyes. ¡°Sit and meditate with me,¡± she said softly. ¡°Clear your mind and just focus on the fight. Don¡¯t think about the prize, don¡¯t think about winning or losing. Just feel your opponent¡ªtry to understand them.¡±


    Kai hesitated, then knelt opposite her. On Velmorra, kneeling was often seen as a sign of defeat, but he recognized this was different¡ªa gesture of mutual respect. He closed his eyes, letting Eliana¡¯s words guide him. What kind of person is Eliana, really? he wondered. His initial impression was of a materialistic girl, preoccupied with appearances. Yet seeing her now, calm and focused in the training room, challenged that assumption. Was she playing a part earlier, or was this just another side of her? The question left him puzzled.


    When he opened his eyes, he found Eliana watching him with a steady gaze.


    She rose gracefully, brushing her hands over her legs. ¡°Ready when you are,¡± she said with a faint smile.


    Kai stood, shaking off his uncertainty, and got into a standard boxing stance. His feet moved in a rhythmic bounce, his body swaying lightly with motion. In contrast, Eliana¡¯s stance was calm and deliberate. She placed one foot forward, her arms raised, hands in a loose, half-fist position. She radiated precision and control, a stark contrast to Kai¡¯s more fluid and reactive approach.


    The match was on.

 6. A Date with Eliana

    Kai lunged forward, using his weight and momentum to his advantage. He wasn¡¯t planning to strike Eliana, but he aimed to overpower her and wrestle her to the ground.


    Eliana watched his approach calmly, as if she had anticipated it. She didn¡¯t dodge or even move her feet. Instead, she simply smiled, her expression almost amused. Kai¡¯s confidence grew as his arms closed in on her wrists.


    Got her, he thought, his smile widening.


    But then her wrist slipped through his grasp as if it wasn¡¯t even there. Kai blinked in disbelief¡ª Eliana hadn¡¯t moved much, yet her body shifted in an instant, almost imperceptibly, to dodge his grip. She was still standing in the same spot, but now his entire side was exposed to her.


    Eliana¡¯s smile widened. Kai had done most of the work for her. With his momentum and poor positioning, all she needed was a well-placed push to send him to the ground.


    Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he realized he¡¯d miscalculated. He felt a familiar burning sensation in his arms and legs, the same odd energy that had coursed through him when piloting the ship. His body responded before his mind caught up. Twisting at the last moment, he redirected his momentum and managed to wrap around Eliana¡¯s waist, pulling her down with him as they fell to the floor.


    Eliana let out a short, surprised yelp as they landed. She had been certain Kai would hit the ground first, yet somehow, he had reversed his trajectory in a way that seemed almost impossible. The reflexes and sheer core strength required to pull off such a move were extraordinary, and it didn¡¯t add up.


    She stared at him, momentarily stunned. Kai didn¡¯t look like someone who had spent years training for moments like this. There was something about him, something she couldn¡¯t quite place.


    Eliana searched Kai¡¯s eyes, looking for some hint of smugness or triumph. But there was none. If anything, he looked just as surprised as she was.


    She scrambled to sit up, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. ¡°How the hell did you manage to do that?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and frustration.


    Kai remained on the ground, staring up at her. ¡°To be honest, I¡¯m not sure. My body just reacted. I guess I got lucky.¡±


    ¡°Again,¡± Eliana demanded, narrowing her eyes. She didn¡¯t believe for a second that it was just luck. Kai was hiding something, and Eliana was determined to figure out what it was.


    She got back on her feet, adjusting her stance. This time, she decided to go on the offensive. She was sure she was faster, more precise. There was no way he could rely on luck twice.


    Kai rose as well, rolling his shoulders as he readied himself. The burning energy coursed through his body again. He took a few deep breaths, calming his mind and focused.


    Eliana made the first move, closing the distance between them in a blur of motion. She launched a quick kick aimed at his midsection. Kai sidestepped it effortlessly, his movements fluid. She followed up with another kick, snapping it toward his legs, but he dodged again, this time even smoother.


    Maybe he recognizes my fighting style, Eliana thought. If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯ll just switch it up.


    She pivoted back, switching her stance mid-step. Her body language shifted subtly as she transitioned into a different technique, one of several she¡¯d mastered over the years. This time, she intended to keep him guessing, to find the gaps in his defenses and exploit them.


    Kai¡¯s focus didn¡¯t waver. He could feel the rhythm of her movements, the ebb and flow of her attacks. He didn¡¯t recognize her techniques outright, but his body seemed to anticipate them as if guided by an unseen instinct. Whatever was happening to him, it wasn¡¯t just luck¡ªit was something far deeper, something he was only beginning to understand.


    Eliana smirked, launching a feint to test him before moving in with her new approach. Let¡¯s see how you handle this.


    Kai saw Eliana raise her arm, feigning an attack. His instinct told him to dodge, but then he noticed something unusual¡ª a faint, almost imperceptible aura radiating from her opposite leg ¡ª the one she wasn¡¯t actively using. It was subtle, like a ripple in the air, but it told him everything he needed to know.


    In that moment, Kai understood her true intention. The raised arm was a distraction, and the real attack was coming from her leg.


    Without hesitation, his body moved on its own. He raised his leg swiftly, intercepting Eliana¡¯s kick with the side of his shin. The impact echoed through the dojo.


    Eliana¡¯s eyes widened, her carefully planned attack thwarted. ¡°How¡­?¡± she muttered under her breath, momentarily thrown off balance. Kai remained steady, his leg holding firm against hers.


    From Eliana¡¯s perspective, it was as if Kai had read her mind. The way he raised his leg just slightly before her kick connected wasn¡¯t a reaction¡ªit was a prediction. He had anticipated her move with a precision that unnerved her.


    Eliana paused, her breathing steady but her confidence shaken. There was no point in continuing. She had been bested, and she knew it. Sparring further wouldn¡¯t change the outcome.


    Taking a step back, Eliana lowered her head in a deep bow, acknowledging her defeat. Kai returned the gesture respectfully.


    As Eliana straightened, she noticed something for the first time. Kai¡¯s forehead glistened with sweat, his face slightly flushed from the exertion. He loosened the top of his sparring cloth to let in some air. It was then that Claire¡¯s eyes caught the definition of his physique. The company-issued suit, tailored for elegance and utility, had concealed his strength. Beneath his composed demeanor, Kai was far more formidable than she had imagined.


    For a moment, she stood there, observing him in a new light.


    Kai noticed Eliana staring at him, her gaze lingering longer than he was comfortable with. Embarrassment crept up on him, and he shifted slightly, adjusting his loosened cloth. He had won the match, and that meant his prize was going to be time spent with Eliana¡ªwhatever she had in mind. Yet, at the back of his mind, a flicker of guilt surfaced. How much of that fight was truly me, and how much was because of the strange liquid inside me?


    The thought gnawed at him as he stood there, unsure of what to say. He didn¡¯t want to come across as cocky, nor did he want to downplay her effort. But words failed him as he watched her, seemingly lost in a trance, her expression unreadable.


    For a moment, silence filled the space between them, tension mingling with curiosity and the unspoken questions they both carried.


    Eliana broke the silence, a playful grin spreading across her face. ¡°Guess I have to fulfill my promise,¡± she said, her tone teasing. ¡°But don¡¯t let your dirty mind get all excited. The prize was to spend time with me, not sleep with me. I hope you didn¡¯t misunderstand.¡±


    Kai smirked, deciding to play along. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s exactly what I thought you meant when you said I could get to know you better.¡±


    Eliana chuckled, shaking her head. ¡°Sure thing, Kai.¡±


    Her grin widened, but behind her teasing tone, there was a flicker of intrigue in her eyes.


    ---


    Mr. Draco read through the report, then set it aside with little interest. His company had reached a point where it could thrive even without his constant management. Soon, his daughter would take over the family business, as had been planned by him and her mom.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    His thoughts drifted to the legend passed down through his lineage, a tale of immense danger and responsibility. He had carried the burden of that knowledge for years, and now it was time to pass it on to her.


    ¡°Where is my daughter?¡± he asked aloud, his voice firm.


    From just outside the door, his secretary responded promptly, ¡°She said she wasn¡¯t feeling well and took the rest of the day off, sir.¡±


    Kevin frowned, his annoyance surfacing. ¡°How many times has she done that this week?¡±


    ¡°This is the third time already, sir,¡± the secretary replied.


    ¡°And what did she really do? I don¡¯t believe she simply went home to rest,¡± Kevin said, irritation creeping into his tone. He suspected his daughter¡¯s priorities were far from the business he was grooming her to lead.


    The secretary hesitated for a moment before answering, ¡°Well, sir, she had a meal at the cantina and... um... booked a room at the dojo.¡±


    Kevin¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°The dojo? Who was she training with?¡±


    There was a brief pause. ¡°You¡¯ll find this interesting, sir. Your daughter was training with the miner who came in this morning. I believe his name was Kai.¡±


    ---


    Kai sneezed in the shower, the sound echoing off the tiled walls. He chuckled to himself, wondering if someone was talking about him behind his back. Eliana, maybe? he thought with amusement. She might still be stewing over her loss.


    After drying himself off, he slipped back into the suit, adjusting it to make sure it sat properly. Once ready, he headed out and made his way to the entrance of the dojo, where he leaned casually against the wall, waiting for Eliana.


    He didn¡¯t have to wait long before Eliana stepped out. She was dressed in casual, cropped black hoodie and fitted joggers with sleek lines, paired with simple sneakers. Her Auburn hair was tied back in a practical ponytail, with a few loose strands framing her face, giving her a relaxed appearance.


    Ever since the sparring match with Eliana, Kai felt a growing sense of trust in her. There was something about that physical exchange, the unspoken communication through movement and instinct, that bridged a gap no words could. The Eliana standing before him now felt like a completely different person than the one he had met at the front desk.


    Eliana caught him staring and flushed slightly. She puffed her cheeks and pretended to be annoyed. ¡°What are you staring at?¡± she asked.


    Kai snapped out of his thoughts and quickly apologized. ¡°Sorry, I was just thinking about how different you are now compared to when I first saw you at the front desk.¡±


    Her eyes lit with curiosity, and she leaned in slightly. ¡°Oh? What was your first impression of me?¡± She added with a teasing grin, ¡°Don¡¯t hold back¡ªjust say it.¡±


    Kai hesitated for a moment before answering truthfully. ¡°Well¡­ I thought you were a materialistic girl and wasn¡¯t exactly fond of you.¡±


    Eliana blinked, her blush deepening, but her expression shifted into a mix of amusement and indignation. ¡°Materialistic?¡± she repeated, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Wow, Kai. Way to sweep a girl off her feet.¡±


    Kai raised his hands in defense. ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t know how things worked in the city. I guess it wasn¡¯t that I had something against you personally, but more about my dislike for the lifestyle here. People seem so wasteful. Like the shower towel I used¡ªI only used it once but still had to toss it in the laundry basket.¡±


    Eliana burst out laughing, finding his complaints surprisingly endearing. ¡°No, silly,¡± she said with a chuckle. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re a personal guest of Mr. Draco. Most people here don¡¯t live in that kind of luxury. And my makeup? That¡¯s just something all the women here use for work.¡±


    She paused thoughtfully before continuing, ¡°Makeup to us is like the mining suit you wear in the mines. It¡¯s a layer of protection. It gives confidence and makes conversations more pleasant for clients.¡±


    Kai nodded slowly, considering her words. ¡°That makes sense,¡± he admitted. Then, with a slight blush, he added, ¡°But honestly, I find you without makeup more attractive.¡±


    His face grew hotter as the words left his mouth, and he quickly looked away.


    Eliana¡¯s cheeks turned pink as well, and she fidgeted with her hair. After a moment, she spoke softly, almost shyly. ¡°Alright... if that¡¯s what you find pleasant, I won¡¯t wear makeup when I¡¯m with you.¡±


    Her words hung in the air, and for a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say.


    Eliana¡¯s stomach rumbled loudly, and she quickly covered it with her hands, her face flushing with embarrassment.


    Kai couldn¡¯t help but laugh. ¡°I knew those tiny portions you ate weren¡¯t going to fill you,¡± he teased with a grin.


    Eliana chuckled, brushing off her embarrassment. ¡°I was just trying to be polite. I didn¡¯t want to scare you with how much I can actually eat.¡±


    Kai smirked, shaking his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to hold back around me. I¡¯m not that easy to scare.¡±


    Eliana had picked a spot in the city for dinner, a cozy, casual place that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The city truly came alive at night. From their vantage point, Kai could see towering skyscrapers glittering with lights, their reflections shimmering in the glassy surface of a nearby river. Cars zipped through the air in orderly streams, their lights streaking like fireflies. Neon signs from various establishments painted the streets below in vibrant hues of red, blue, and gold. The hustle and bustle felt more subdued, almost serene, under the blanket of city lights.


    They both ordered hearty meals, the portions making Eliana¡¯s earlier lunch seem like an appetizer. As the plates arrived, the aroma made Kai¡¯s stomach growl. He glanced at Eliana and couldn¡¯t help but laugh again. ¡°I think this is more your style.¡±


    ¡°I have an image to maintain at the company, alright?¡± Eliana said, rolling her eyes with a playful grin. ¡°Let¡¯s just eat. The food here is really awesome.¡±


    With that, they dug in, and Kai quickly realized she wasn¡¯t exaggerating. His meat stew was rich and hearty, packed with flavor. The tender chunks of meat, perfectly seasoned broth, and fresh vegetables created a symphony of tastes that was a far cry from the bland energy bars he was used to in the mine. Those bars, with their cardboard-like texture, had been his staple for far too long that he would liked, making this meal feel like a feast.


    He paused briefly, savoring the moment. ¡°You weren¡¯t kidding. This is amazing,¡± he said, glancing at Eliana, who was equally engrossed in her meal.


    After dinner, Kai and Eliana walked along the river that glimmered with reflections of the city lights. The hum of the city was distant, replaced by the soft lapping of water against the banks. Neither spoke at first, letting the serene night wash over them.


    ¡°It¡¯s nice to step away,¡± Eliana said softly, glancing at the water. ¡°To just breathe.¡±


    Kai nodded. ¡°Yeah. Makes things feel clearer.¡±


    She turned to him with a small smile. ¡°You¡¯re not what I expected.¡±


    ¡°Neither are you,¡± Kai admitted.


    In that quiet moment, they shared an unspoken understanding, a connection that needed no words. The world seemed simpler here, just for a little while.


    It was a nice moment between the two of them, quiet and unforced. But for some reason, Kai couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched. He subtly glanced around, scanning his surroundings from the corner of his eye. The riverside was lively, filled with people enjoying the night¡ªmostly couples strolling hand in hand, just like them. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, yet the unease in his chest remained.


    Maybe it was just his looks. His white hair and sharp jawline made him stand out, giving him the appearance of someone who had just stepped off a movie set.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Eliana asked, noticing his distracted expression.


    Kai shook his head slightly. ¡°No, sorry,¡± he said. ¡°I just can¡¯t help but feel like we¡¯re being watched.¡±


    Eliana glanced around, her expression growing cautious. Apparently, she felt it too. ¡°Perhaps we should head back,¡± she whispered.


    Kai nodded in agreement, and the two made their way back to the Draco building. Despite the unsettling feeling, the moment didn¡¯t ruin their night. The warmth of their earlier connection lingered, and they walked together in quiet understanding.


    Kai hated to admit it, but he felt a pang of sadness that the evening had ended so abruptly. Still, he was grateful for the time he had spent with Eliana and for the chance to see her true self. He had learned something important¡ªthat people adapt to their environments, and first impressions often hide much more beneath the surface. Never judge a book by its cover, he reminded himself.


    Eliana didn¡¯t say anything at first; she simply leaned in and wrapped her arms around Kai.


    ¡°Thank you for the date,¡± she said softly, her cheeks tinged with a faint rose.


    Kai returned the hug, his voice sincere. ¡°I enjoyed our time together, Eliana. I hope I see you soon.¡±


    Eliana smiled, stepping back. ¡°I¡¯m sure we will,¡± she replied, giving him a small wave as she turned toward the elevator.


    Kai stood there for a moment, charmed, watching as she stepped into the elevator. Just before the doors closed, she waved one last time with a warm smile. He found himself smiling back, even as the elevator carried her out of sight.


    Little did Kai know, Eliana was smiling long after the elevator doors closed. She leaned against the wall, her thoughts swirling. She had never opened her heart to anyone the way she had with Kai. Though they had only just begun to know each other, there was something undeniably special about him.


    Eliana knew her cards well. She was the center of attention for many men at the company¡ªsome drawn to her because of her connection to Mr. Draco, others purely for her looks. But none of that mattered to her. What she craved was someone she could talk to, someone she could spar with and feel at ease around. Kai was perfect.


    He had come out of nowhere, completely unaware of her background. He treated her with respect, not as someone to impress or curry favor with, but as an equal. Handsome, fit, and genuinely kind, he had shown her a side of himself that felt real. And on top of that, he was an incredible fighter. His raw skill, quick reactions, and strength intrigued her, even if his technique lacked polish.


    Thinking about him made her heart race, so much so that she had called it a night earlier than she¡¯d wanted to. She didn¡¯t want to fall too hard, too fast¡ªnot yet.


    As she rode the elevator alone, a small smile lingered on her lips. Soon she will be able to see him again.

 7. A Hint of Danger

    Kai returned to his room, taking a moment to compose himself. The unexpected detour with Eliana had been one of the best experiences he¡¯d had in years, but he reminded himself of the real reason he was here. Tomorrow would be pivotal, a day that could determine whether he could finally leave this barren planet behind.


    He lay down on the soft, luxurious bed, the kind of comfort he wasn¡¯t used to. As he closed his eyes, his thoughts drifted back to Eliana. He forced himself to stop, knowing better than to fall for someone he had just met. For all he knew, he might never see her again.


    Damn it, he thought, realizing he hadn¡¯t even gotten her contact. He cursed himself quietly and turned onto his side. What did she mean when she said she was sure we¡¯d meet again soon?


    Kai didn¡¯t know when sleep overtook him, but the plush bed certainly helped him rest deeply. He woke to find it was just past 5 a.m., the city still quiet in the early morning light. He spent a few minutes soaking in the serene view from his window before heading to the bathroom.


    Looking into the mirror, Kai saw the disheveled state he was in. His hair was a mess, and he hadn¡¯t shaved in over a week. With meeting with Mr. Draco in mind¡ªand the faint hope of possibly running into Eliana again¡ªhe decided to clean himself up. Tying his hair back into a bun, he carefully shaved his beard, watching as the rugged miner in the mirror took on a sharper, more polished look.


    Kai made a simple breakfast and waited for someone to contact him. The call came just as he was placing the last dish in the drying rack. He wiped his hands on a towel and answered.


    Five minutes later, he was in the elevator, heading down to the lobby. Kevin had returned his clothes to him, cleaned and neatly folded. Even the tiny holes in his jacket, something he¡¯d decided to ignore long ago, had been expertly patched up.


    The elevator came to a smooth stop, and the doors slid open. Kai stepped out and immediately focused his gaze on the front desk. A beautiful woman stood there, greeting clients with a polished smile. But his heart sank slightly when he realized it wasn¡¯t Eliana, just another receptionist. Shrugging off the disappointment, he continued toward the exit.


    A car was waiting outside for him. A blackout Astra Eon, a high-end model crafted by the luxury automaker Celes Dynamics, known for their sleek, futuristic designs and unparalleled comfort.


    Kai stepped into the car, only to find Mr. Draco and Eliana sitting across from him. He was taken aback by her presence but masked his surprise. Eliana wore light makeup and her casual sporty attire, her posture relaxed yet composed as she sat beside her father with a pleasant smile on her face.


    ¡°Mr. Draco,¡± Kai greeted, nodding politely.


    ¡°Please, don¡¯t be so formal, Kai,¡± Kevin said with a dismissive wave. The car accelerated smoothly. ¡°Call me Kevin. And by the looks of it, I think you¡¯ve already met my daughter, Eliana.¡±


    Kai blinked, his mind reeling. Daughter? The receptionist Eliana was Kevin¡¯s daughter¡ªthe daughter of the head of Draco Mining, one of the most powerful men on the planet. He turned to Eliana, his expression frozen in disbelief.


    Eliana was the first to break the silence. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Kai,¡± she said softly, her voice earnest. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you. I just didn¡¯t want you to see me differently because of who my father is. I really enjoyed our time together.¡±


    As she spoke, any irritation Kai might have felt melted away. Her sincerity disarmed him, and he realized that if he were in her position, he would have done the same. Life in the city, especially one so tied to power and influence, was far more complicated than his own.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, Eliana,¡± Kai replied with a smile. ¡°I understand.¡±


    Kevin, observing their interaction, spoke with a neutral tone. ¡°Eliana insisted on coming along for this trip into the mine. She¡¯s quite fond of you, Kai.¡±


    Kai glanced at Eliana, whose cheeks flushed slightly at her father¡¯s words, and he found himself smiling again. This trip was already shaping up to be more interesting than he had expected.


    Kai stepped out of the Astra Eon, shielding his eyes from the glaring sunlight. As his vision adjusted, the sight before him was nothing short of breathtaking.


    "Welcome to the BlackSwan" Eliana said behind Kai.


    On the landing pad stood a massive luxury starship, its design an intricate blend of sharp, angular ridges and smooth, elegant curves. The metallic hull gleamed in the sunlight, a stunning combination of polished silver and subtle gold accents that seemed almost alive as they reflected the desert light.


    The ship¡¯s rear ramp extended to the ground, where crews worked diligently to load supplies. Crates of various sizes were being carried up by workers that wear EXO-suits and loaded with precision, while small drones zipped back and forth, delivering additional cargo. The rhythmic clanking of equipment and the occasional hum of engines filled the air.


    Set against the stark red sand of the barren desert and the vast blue sky above, the starship looked like a masterpiece of engineering. It was everything Kai could have asked for in a starship¡ªelegant yet practical, with a professional crew working seamlessly to prepare it for departure. He had dreamed of boarding a ship like this for as long as he could remember, and now, that dream had finally come true.


    Eliana watched as Kai inspected the ship, his eyes darting across its surface, taking in every detail as if he didn¡¯t want to miss a single thing. She chuckled softly at how endearing he looked, like a child unwrapping a long-awaited birthday gift. She stood beside him, waiting patiently while her father engaged in conversation with the ship¡¯s commander nearby.


    Kai finally turned to her, his eyes glistening with excitement. The joy on his face was unmistakable, and Eliana couldn¡¯t help but smile back, sensing that he wanted to share this moment with her.


    ¡°Just wait until you see the inside,¡± she teased, her voice light and playful.


    Eliana wasn¡¯t lying. As soon as the crew finished loading the last of the supplies and boarded the ship, Kai followed her inside and was immediately awestruck. The interior was a seamless continuation of the ship¡¯s elegant yet functional design. The walls were lined with sleek, polished metal accented by panels of real wood¡ªa rare and luxurious commodity on Drakmoor. Soft, recessed lighting cast a warm glow, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship of the ship¡¯s corridors and rooms. The space was vast, far larger than Kai expected, with high ceilings and a layout that balanced practicality with comfort. Every facility he could imagine was here: even including a fully equipped gym, a small pool with shimmering water, and lounges furnished with plush seating that seemed to invite relaxation. It was a self-contained world, built for both efficiency and indulgence.


    Kevin led Kai and Eliana to the bridge, his voice steady with pride. ¡°Welcome to the brain of the ship,¡± he said, gesturing to the space around them. At the front, a massive viewport stretched from floor to ceiling, offering an unobstructed view of the horizon and providing the pilot with unparalleled visibility. Just behind the pilot¡¯s seat was the commander¡¯s station, slightly elevated to oversee all operations. To the left and right were the engineering and gunner seats, with state-of-the-art controls. The engineering station monitored the ship¡¯s systems, while the gunner seat controlled the weaponry remotely. Everything was carefully designed and customized to perfection."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Kai was captivated by all things on the bridge. Every detail brought his childhood dream one step closer to reality. If it weren¡¯t for the meeting, he would have chosen to stay on the bridge for the entire duration of the flight.


    Not long after takeoff, four people sat around a round table in the ship¡¯s meeting room. The hum of the ship¡¯s engines provided a low background melody as they ascended into the sky. Commander Grayson, a towering man with an impressive build and a beard so thick and majestic it could rival the men of the warrior tribes on Tarnaxis, sat at the head of the table. The other three were Kevin, Kai, and Eliana, each taking their seats as the meeting began.


    Commander Grayson spoke first, his voice firm and direct. ¡°Two days ago, a ship from the Federation landed on Drakmoor. Several ambassadors held a meeting with Governor Railey to discuss the possibility of a future conflict with the Empire, seeking her loyalty in what they see as an inevitable war.¡± He paused briefly, his serious gaze sweeping the room. ¡°We all know that a war between the two factions is only a matter of time. The Emperor¡¯s goal of uniting humanity under one banner has been a controversial topic for decades.¡±


    Kevin leaned forward, his tone calm but resolute. ¡°Governor Railey contacted me last night for my opinion. I¡¯ve pledged my support for her decision to side with the Federation. The Emperor is a tyrant who takes far more than he gives.¡± He glanced meaningfully at Kai, his words heavy with unspoken acknowledgment.


    Kai nodded slowly, understanding the weight of Kevin¡¯s reference. The invasion of Velmorra¡ªthe reason Kai had fled his home in the first place¡ªwas a stark reminder of the Empire¡¯s ruthless ambition. His dislike for the Empire ran deep.


    Commander Grayson continued, his tone growing graver. ¡°Our biggest problem is Drakmoor¡¯s location. By this time next year, the star systems¡¯ rotation will align our planet with Denzov-II in the Gnonoe System, creating a perfect jump point into federation territory. Recent heat signatures from that sector indicate a rally of at least four capital-sized vessels accompanied by support fleets.¡±


    Eliana drew in a sharp breath. ¡°We couldn¡¯t possibly fight back against a force like that. What is the Federation planning to do?¡±


    Grayson¡¯s expression remained steady. ¡°The Federation has promised a response force of similar size. Their plan is to intercept and drive the Empire¡¯s fleet away before they reach Drakmoor¡¯s orbit.¡±


    Kevin exchanged a weighted look with Grayson before turning to Kai. There was a shift in the room¡¯s atmosphere, and Kai felt uneasiness wash over him.


    ¡°Kai,¡± Kevin began, his voice slower and more deliberate. ¡°The information you brought me about the lost ship¡ªit wasn¡¯t news to me.¡± He paused, letting the words sink in. ¡°I owe you an apology for not telling you the full truth before. But my daughter¡¯s approval of you has convinced me that you¡¯re someone trustworthy. So, I¡¯ll tell you everything now.¡±


    Kai glanced at Eliana, searching her face for answers. She caught his gaze and mouthed the words: ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    "I¡¯ve already told Eliana," Kevin said, his tone grave, "and now I¡¯ll pass down our family¡¯s secret to you." He leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "There¡¯s a legend that¡¯s been passed down through generations in the Draco family. It tells of a ship buried deep beneath the rocks of Drakmoor¡ªa ship that could hold the key to unimaginable change. And I believe the ship you found might be the one."


    Kai frowned, his skepticism apparent. ¡°If it¡¯s that important, then why not use deep ground scanners to find it earlier? Surely, with your resources¡ª¡±


    Kevin raised a hand, cutting him off gently. ¡°Because the legend warns us of what happens when it¡¯s found,¡± he explained, his voice steady. ¡°The day it¡¯s unearthed is said to bring change to the universe. The ship you found, if it is the one, must be protected at all costs. And so must the person who finds it.¡±


    Kai¡¯s expression darkened as he considered Kevin¡¯s words. ¡°What kind of secrets would be so important?¡±


    Kevin shook his head. ¡°Nobody knows. The legend never explained what secrets the ship holds. That¡¯s why I wanted to visit the mine myself.¡±


    Kai nodded, his mind racing as he recalled the notebook he had taken from the buried ship. He was ready to share his own discovery. Reaching into his pocket, he was abruptly interrupted by a blaring alarm that echoed through the ship¡¯s hull.


    Commander Grayson was the first to react, bolting to his feet and rushing out of the room. The others quickly followed, their footsteps pounding against the metal floor as they hurried to the bridge.


    The moment they entered, the tension in the air was palpable. The engineer turned in his seat, his face grim. ¡°We were cruising at a steady speed,¡± he explained, his voice steady but urgent, ¡°when an unknown ship locked onto us. They must have been cloaked because there was no sign of them on our scanners until the lock-on warning triggered.¡±


    Commander Grayson stepped forward, barking orders. ¡°Evasive maneuvers! Prepare countermeasures!¡± He turned to the gunner. ¡°Get weapons systems online, now!¡±


    The pilot¡¯s hands flew over the controls as the ship shuddered violently. ¡°They¡¯ve fired! Brace for impact!¡± he shouted, the screen lighting up with red indicators tracking an incoming missile. The crew moved with precision, but the element of surprise had put them at a dangerous disadvantage.


    Eliana grabbed Kai¡¯s hand, her grip tight. Kai could feel her nervousness and instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as they both braced themselves.


    ¡°Weapons systems online, shields at one hundred percent,¡± the engineer reported, his voice steady despite the tension.


    ¡°Intercept the missile, and scramble their lock.¡± Commander Grayson ordered sharply.


    The gunner was already in action, seated at his station with a VR goggle strapped over his eyes. A wire connected his helmet to the ceiling, feeding his view directly to the display in front of Commander Grayson. On the screen, Kai could see what the gunner was seeing¡ªa missile streaking toward them, closing the gap with alarming speed.


    ¡°Missile inbound.¡± the gunner announced, pausing briefly before continuing, ¡° Chaff launched. Ivan, evasive maneuvers now.¡±


    Kai felt the ship lurch as gravity shifted momentarily, then stabilized as the ship¡¯s artificial gravity generator adjusted. The ship banked hard to the right, pulling into a sharp turn. Despite the evasive maneuver, Kai was impressed by how smoothly the ship handled for its size.


    A bright flash and a muffled explosion erupted behind them. For a brief moment, Kai thought they¡¯d been hit. But a glance at Commander Grayson¡¯s calm expression, and the faint grin tugging at his lips¡ªtold him otherwise. The chaff had worked, successfully diverting the missile.


    ¡°They¡¯ve lost the element of surprise,¡± Grayson said, his voice calm but commanding. ¡°Robert, get me a lock on their ship.¡±


    ¡°Roger,¡± Robert, the gunner, replied. His hands moved deftly over the controls, and the display on Grayson¡¯s screen shifted as the view swiveled to follow their attacker. At first, there was only a small black dot in the distance. Then, as Robert zoomed in, the attacking ship came into focus.


    It was a small, sleek craft shaped like a triangle, darting through the air with stunning speed. Vapor trails streaked behind its wingtips as it maneuvered to stay on their tail. Kai¡¯s sharp eyes recognized it instantly.


    ¡°A stealth bomber from Corsair Industry,¡± he muttered, his tone grim. ¡°Popular with pirates and PMCs.¡±


    Eliana glanced at him. ¡°What do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fast and agile,¡± Kai explained, his voice low but steady. ¡°It carries an impressive missile payload, but its hull is paper-thin. It relies on stealth and boom-and-zoom tactics¡ªsurprise, strike, and vanish. If we can lock onto it, it won¡¯t last in a head-to-head fight.¡±


    Commander Grayson nodded slightly, overhearing Kai¡¯s assessment. His focus remained fixed on the display. ¡°Let¡¯s see if they can handle being on the other side of the hunt.¡±


    Robert, the gunner, leaned into his controls with a confident smirk. ¡°Teresa, decode and send me the signature of that ship. I¡¯m going to give it a little gift.¡±


    ¡°Already done,¡± Teresa replied, her own smirk matching his.


    Kai¡¯s attention was glued to the gunner¡¯s display. He watched as a small object ejected from the rear of their ship¡ªa countermeasure with a very specific purpose. The attacker had made a critical mistake, Kai realized. It should never have lingered in pursuit against a ship like the Black Swan. Perhaps they had assumed the ship was unarmed, or their pilot was simply too inexperienced to execute the hit-and-run tactics required.


    As expected, the pursuing ship broke through Teresa¡¯s jamming and fired a second missile. But it was too late. The ¡°gift¡± Robert had sent out reached proximity of the attacker and released a powerful burst of electromagnetic energy. The attacking ship¡¯s systems sputtered, and its maneuvers ceased as its computers were fried. The once-agile craft drifted in the sky, a sitting target. The missle lost its guidance and flew aimlessly towards space.


    ¡°Sir, we have a lock!¡± Robert said, his voice brimming with excitement.


    ¡°Fire,¡± Commander Grayson ordered, his tone calm and final.


    The bridge fell silent for a moment as the gunner executed the command. The bright explosion lit up the distant sky, the remains of the attacking ship scattering in all directions.


    The immediate danger had passed, but the tension in the room lingered. The crew exchanged puzzled glances, the same question on everyone¡¯s mind: who had sent the attacker, and why?


    ¡°Sir,¡± Teresa¡¯s voice cut through the heavy silence on the bridge, sharp and filled with urgency. ¡°We¡¯ve lost contact with the mine.¡±

 8. Under Attack

    Jeremain stood outside the mine, squinting against the harsh sunlight as he scanned the western horizon. The boss was scheduled to visit today, and something about it weighed on his mind. Whatever had piqued Mr. Draco¡¯s interest must have been important. Perhaps a new vein.


    He thought of Kai, wondering if the kid had finally struck something big. He hadn¡¯t seen him for two days, and maybe he¡¯d gone to the city to report his findings. Jeremain smiled faintly. Kai was a bright young man ¡ªhardworking, sharp, and never the type to complain. If anyone was going to make a fortune, he wished it would be him.


    Jeremain¡¯s eyes caught a thin plume of dust in the distance, trailing low across the red sand. His brows furrowed. There shouldn¡¯t be anything out there, no scheduled shipments, no patrols. Probably some rich fool out on a joy ride, he thought, but protocol was protocol. He lifted his handheld radio, speaking into it.


    ¡°Hey, this is Jeremain. I¡¯ve got unknown vehicles on the horizon, westbound. Can you confirm?¡±


    No reply, only a faint buzz came out of the radio¡¯s speaker. He tried again. Still nothing. Jeremain swore under his breath. ¡°Damn thing¡¯s broken again,¡± he muttered, stomping back down the ramp to the mine entrance. He knocked sharply on the heavy gate with the side of his fist. The door cracked open, and a gravelly voice came through.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a group of vehicles kicking up sand out west. Can you check radar? My radio¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°One sec¡­¡± The voice paused, then came back, puzzled. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not showing up on radar. That¡¯s strange.¡±


    Jeremain frowned and headed back up the ramp. The vehicles were much closer now¡ªthey were coming in fast. He raised his rifle and peered through the 4x scope. First he saw the few dune buggies sped across the sand, their small frames bouncing over the uneven terrain. However it was the vehicle in the middle that sent a chill down his spine, it was an armored personnel carrier with a mounted turret. The barrel of the turret flashed a couple times as he watched.


    Jeremain¡¯s brain barely had time to register what he was seeing before the sound hit him¡ªfour sharp whooshes cut through the air, and small explosions erupted behind him. Sand and debris kicked up violently as the rounds hit. Then he heard the unmistakable sound of large caliber gun fires.


    They¡¯re shooting at me! The realization hit hard, and his instincts took over. He fired a few shots back, though he knew they wouldn¡¯t land at this distance. Then he turned and bolted for the gate.


    ¡°Sound the alarm!¡± he bellowed, sprinting down the ramp. ¡°We¡¯re under attack! Sound the alarm!¡±


    The heavy gate groaned open, and Jeremain rushed inside as a handful of guards emerged with rifles and rockets. They sprinted past him, taking up positions along the ramp. Jeremain joined them, his breathing heavy as he ducked into cover.


    They opened fire together, using the slight downward ramp as their advantage. Jeremain aimed through his scope again, targeting one of the fast-moving dune buggies. He fired a burst, and to his surprise, a lucky shot struck the driver. The man tumbled from his seat, his body rolling and bouncing like a toy across the sand as the buggy veered off course.


    Jeremain barely had time to process his hit before the APC¡¯s turret fired again. A stream of heavy rounds slammed into the ground around them, forcing him and the others to duck behind cover as dust and sand rained down.


    ---


    ¡°The mine isn¡¯t responding to our hailing, sir,¡± Teresa said, her hands still flying over the console as she worked to re-establish contact. ¡°I think their signal is being blocked.¡±


    Commander Grayson¡¯s frown deepened. The attack on their ship no longer felt like a simple assassination attempt from a rival. This had the makings of a coordinated assault, and he had a feeling that it connected to the buried ship.


    ¡°What about their secured channel?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Already tried, sir, no response.¡± Teresa replied without looking up.


    ¡°Could the attacker be jamming the signal using a short range jammer?¡± Robert asked, taking off his VR goggles and setting them aside.


    ¡°Very likely, if so I hope the guards do their jobs defending the mine.¡± Grayson answered, his tone grim. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to see for ourselves when we get there. Teresa, keep the shields up. Robert, stay ready for another attack.¡±


    ¡°Well then,¡± Robert said as he slipped his goggles back on.


    Kai suddenly realized he was still holding Eliana close. He quickly moved his hand away, and the two of them exchanged an awkward glance before pretending as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Who else might know our secret?¡± Eliana asked, her voice laced with confusion.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Kai interjected, his tone measured as he recalled the strange encounter in the mine, ¡°I think someone else does know about the buried ship.¡±


    His words grabbed everyone¡¯s attention, and all eyes turned to him. Commander Grayson leaned forward slightly, his expression skeptical. ¡°Go on¡­¡±


    Kai nodded. ¡°Just before I found the buried ship, I was attacked by two men. At first, I thought they were just other pioneers trying to steal the mineral vein I thought I¡¯d discovered. But one of them said something odd¡ªthat I¡¯d found what they were looking for. And¡­¡± Kai paused, choosing his words carefully. ¡°One of them had a tattoo.¡±


    ¡°What kind of tattoo?¡± Eliana asked, her curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Three dots arranged in a triangle,¡± Kai said plainly, the memory still fresh in his mind.


    The room fell silent as everyone turned toward Kevin. If anyone knew the meaning of the tattoo, it would be him¡ªthe one entrusted with the legend. Kevin, however, shook his head, his expression as puzzled as everyone else¡¯s.


    ¡°That¡¯s not something I¡¯ve heard of,¡± Kevin admitted, his tone serious.


    His response only deepened the mystery, leaving the room in a tense silence once again. Whatever was happening, it was clear the legend of the buried ship might not have stayed as secret as they had believed.


    They were close to the mine now, and Kai could almost make out the entrance on the horizon. The ship flew fast and low, hugging the ground to avoid being locked onto by potential threats. Kai clenched his fists, his knuckles white. More than once, he was certain they were about to crash, but Ivan, the pilot, always pulled up just in time, the ship missing the earth by mere meters and kicking up massive walls of dust in its wake. Watching Ivan fly sparked something in Kai¡ªhis hands unconsciously mimicked the pilot''s movements, as though he was the one at the controls.


    ¡°Unknown vehicles at the mine site,¡± Teresa reported, her voice sharp and focused.


    ¡°Hold fire for now,¡± Commander Grayson ordered.


    ¡°Roger,¡± Robert responded, his hands steady on the turret controls. The display tracked one of the vehicles below¡ªa heavily armored personnel carrier circling the mine entrance. A few dune buggies darted across the screen momentarily, their small frames quick but exposed their passengers. The APC fired sporadically at the entrance, bursts of weapon fire sparking as it aimed for clear shots. From the mine, return fire pinged off the APC¡¯s thick armor, leaving nothing but a trail of sparks in its wake. The mine was clearly under attack. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Shoot them, Kai thought instinctively, his jaw tightening.


    ¡°Awaiting orders, sir,¡± Robert said, his eagerness barely contained as he tracked the APC¡¯s movements.


    Commander Grayson turned to Kevin, the legal owner of the mine. Kevin gave back a silent nod.


    ¡°Fire,¡± Grayson commanded.


    Robert didn¡¯t hesitate. He pulled the trigger, and a short burst of rounds thundered out from the ship¡¯s underbelly turret. The rounds tore through the air, some missing their target and kicking up plumes of red dust, but others struck true. The APC disappeared momentarily behind a cloud of debris and dirt, and when the dust cleared, it had slowed to a halt, smoke rising faintly from its punctured armor.


    Nice shot, Kai thought, impressed. Hitting a moving target while the ship was also in motion was no easy task.


    Robert pumped his fist in the air triumphantly, and Kai caught a glimpse of Commander Grayson nodding in silent approval.


    ¡°Deal with the remaining vehicles,¡± Grayson ordered, his voice steady.


    ¡°On it,¡± Robert replied, already shifting his aim to track the skittering dune buggies below. The ship¡¯s guns fired again.


    ---


    Jeremain continued firing, his hands steady despite the chaos around him. Guards fell one after another under the relentless assault. The APC moved in a maddening circle, too fast for their rockets to land a clean hit. A fresh wave of pain shot up his leg, and he instinctively looked down. A steady stream of blood trickled down his suit, pooling around the edge of his leg armor. One of the troops on a buggy had hit him. Jeremain gritted his teeth, fired off a few more shots, and reached for a spare magazine¡ªonly to grab an empty pocket.


    Out of ammo.


    Beside him, a guard dropped to his knees, hefting a rocket launcher onto his shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± the man muttered, eyes fixed on the APC as it circled back around. Before he could line up the shot, the turret on the APC roared to life again, spewing a burst of gunfire that shredded the dirt around them. Both men ducked low, and in the panic, the guard squeezed the trigger. The rocket launched, but instead of hitting its target, it streaked skyward in a useless arc.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± the guard cursed, his voice laced with desperation. ¡°That was our last one.¡±


    Jeremain¡¯s stomach sank as he peeked over the rampart. The APC must somehow realized they were out of heavy ordnance because it now charged straight at them, turret blazing. The roar of gunfire was deafening, and Jeremain¡¯s mind raced. This is it, he thought grimly. We¡¯re done for.


    Then it happened.


    Jeremain blinked in disbelief as the APC sputtered to a halt, its hull shredded under a barrage of gunfire. He looked to the western sky, and there it was¡ªThe Black Swan. Its massive frame loomed low over the horizon, engines thundering like a storm rolling in. The ship executed a stunning J-hook maneuver, shifting its weight to kill its momentum and sweep into a tight circle above them.


    Jeremain could feel the vibrations rumble through his chest as the underbelly turret opened fire again.


    Thump, thump, thump.


    The gunner¡¯s aim was ruthless, tracking the dune buggies as they swerved and scattered like ants. A burst of rounds ripped through one, flipping it violently before it exploded in a flash of fire. Another tried to make a break for it, but it didn¡¯t get far¡ªtwo quick bursts turned it into a smoking wreck.


    Jeremain let out a shaky breath, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. The Black Swan had turned the battlefield into a graveyard in mere moments.


    Slumping back against the ramp, Jeremain wiped the sweat from his brow and let the tension drain from his shoulders. They¡¯d held out long enough, just barely, and the Black Swan had come through. Damn, that gunner¡¯s good, he thought, a new sense of hope swelling in his chest.


    ---


    The Black Swan did a couple more circles before lowering to the ground near the entrance to the ramp. A small elevator descended, carrying Kevin, Eliana, and Kai. As soon as Kai¡¯s boots hit the sand, he bolted toward the mine, kicking up dust with every step.


    Kai spotted the guard who had helped him the other day. The man¡¯s leg was bleeding, and a few guards lay on the ground nearby¡ªsome too far gone to be saved.


    ¡°Kai! I knew you¡¯d be the one to make it big,¡± the guard said, trying to stand up to greet him.


    Kai stopped in front of him, quickly inspecting the wound. ¡°Don''t move, you are hurt. You¡¯ll be fine though. The bullet went right through. Come on, let me help you to the medical room before you lose too much blood,¡± Kai said, sliding an arm under the guard¡¯s shoulders to help him up.


    Kevin and Eliana were close behind. Kevin took one look at the chaotic scene and immediately took command. He organized the remaining guards, sending some to help the wounded and others to the Black Swan for treatment.


    Eliana caught up with Kai, and together they helped Jeremain into the medical room, carefully easing him onto a bed.


    "I''m okay, kid. You and your girlfriend should go check on the rest," Jeremain said with a forced smile, trying to lighten the mood.


    Eliana and Kai both blushed and exchanged glances but said nothing.


    "Take care...." Kai paused, he had never gotten the man¡¯s name.


    "Jeremain"


    "Take care of yourself, Jeremain." Kai said.


    Kai patted Jeremain gently on the shoulder, then turned to leave with Eliana.


    Kevin entered the room just as they stepped out. The three met up in the hallway, and Kevin spoke first. ¡°I have news. The crew of the Black Swan detected a life signal in the wrecked APC, we¡¯ve got a live one.¡±


    Kai and Eliana shared a look, both immediately understanding the importance of this. Together, they followed Kevin as he led the way toward the destroyed APC.


    A small group of mine guards was already there, standing near the smoldering wreck. Kai watched as two of them dragged a man out of the back of the APC and threw him roughly onto the sand. The man groaned, his head bleeding slightly but otherwise unhurt.


    One of the guards shouted something, his voice filled with anger, and another stepped forward, pointing his gun at the man¡¯s head.


    ¡°Enough!¡± Kevin¡¯s voice boomed with authority, cutting through the chaos.


    The guards immediately straightened, their expressions shifting to guilt and discipline. ¡°Mr. Draco!¡± one of them stammered, lowering his weapon. The group fell into line, standing rigidly as Kevin approached.


    Kevin turned his attention to the man sprawled on the sand. The stranger¡¯s breathing was shallow, and his eyes darted around nervously. Kevin studied him for a moment, then spoke calmly but firmly.


    There was something strange about the man''s face, but Kai couldn¡¯t quite figure out what it was. The man wasn¡¯t odd or unattractive¡ªjust different. His features were sharp and refined, his cheekbones higher than Kai was used to seeing, and his eyes were slightly narrower, with a focused intensity that felt unreadable. It wasn¡¯t unsettling, just¡­ unique.


    ¡°Let me talk to him first,¡± Kevin ordered, stepping closer. He crouched slightly, meeting the man¡¯s wary gaze. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    "Why should I tell you? Aren''t you going to kill me anyway?" the man on the ground said through gritted teeth, his voice dripping with defiance.


    Kai noticed it immediately¡ªthe tattoo on the man¡¯s neck. Three circles arranged in a triangle. The same symbol as the one he¡¯d seen in the mine.


    ¡°What does the tattoo mean?¡± Kai asked, his voice calm but firm.


    The man¡¯s gaze snapped up to him, eyes burning with something between pride and hatred. ¡°It means our home.¡±


    ¡°What home?¡± Kai pressed, puzzled.


    Instead of answering, the man sneered and turned his attention to Kevin. ¡°What¡¯s that fancy ship of yours called, rich guy?¡±


    ¡°The Black Swan,¡± Kevin replied, his voice measured, though his irritation was rising.


    ¡°And do you know what a swan is?¡± the man asked, his lips curling into a crooked, mocking smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a saying, isn¡¯t it?¡± Eliana spoke up, her brow furrowed. ¡°A black swan means something rare and special.¡±


    The man¡¯s laughter exploded into the air, harsh and hysterical, echoing across the quiet battlefield. His shoulders shook as if he¡¯d heard the greatest joke in the universe.


    ¡°No,¡± he spat, his voice thick with scorn. ¡°You don¡¯t understand shit because you don¡¯t even know what a swan is. You¡¯ve never seen one before. You have been living under a lie! Just like you don¡¯t know what¡¯s buried in that mine. You¡¯re not a True Kin ¡ªnot like us.¡±


    Kevin stepped forward, his face dark with anger. ¡°What¡¯s a true kin? What are you talking about?¡±


    The man¡¯s expression twisted again, his eyes wild. ¡°That, you will find out soon enough.¡±

 9. Together

    Kai could breathe the toxic air in the mine, a strange ability he gain after the liquid transformed his body. A secret that he decided to hide from his new found friends.


    Kai put on his mining gear and twisted his helmet until it locked in place with a reassuring click. It had been two days since he last went down into the mine, but this time he wasn¡¯t alone. Eliana and Kevin stood beside him, both wearing suits that were noticeably more advanced than his. The sleek designs and reinforced plating of their equipment made Kai¡¯s rugged mining gear look outdated by comparison.


    The cultists from True Kin had leave them with more questions than answers, which gave them motivations to visit the buried ship as soon as they could.


    Kai gave Eliana a thumbs-up, which she returned with a confident nod. Together, the three stepped into the lift.


    The mine had been temporarily cleared to ensure the secrecy of the buried ship. Naturally, the miners weren¡¯t happy about it, but Kevin¡ªMr. Draco, as many called him¡ªhad smoothed things over by offering free transport and accommodations at a larger mine nearby. It wasn¡¯t ideal, but it was enough to settle the complaints.


    The elevator descended steadily into the mine shaft, the faint hum of the gears and pulleys filling the silence. Kai leaned against the railing, his mind wandering back to the words of the captured man. ¡°You are not a True Kin, not like us.¡± What had he meant? The phrase gnawed at Kai, making him uneasy.


    He thought about the notebook tucked safely in his pack¡ªinformation that hinted at a mysterious, powerful faction called the US. If the records were accurate, they had controlled over 50 star systems. That was enough power to rival both the Empire and the Federation combined. How could a force that significant be erased from any data base?


    ¡°What do you think a swan is?¡± Eliana asked, her voice pulling him out of his thoughts.


    Kai turned his head toward her. ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± he admitted. ¡°I think it¡¯s an object or maybe an animal, or a plant. Like a flower that¡¯s usually white but, with a rare mutation, turns black.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s eyes lit up with curiosity. ¡°I think so too,¡± she agreed, before glancing toward her father.


    Kevin stood silently in the corner of the elevator, his eyes closed, breathing deeply. It was clear to Kai that Kevin was lost in his own thoughts. To Kevin, the buried ship had always been part of an old family legend¡ªsomething passed down through generations but never believed to come true. Even before this trip, Kai could sense Kevin¡¯s skepticism. But the attack on the mine changed everything. Now, as they descended deeper, Kevin was moments away from coming face to face with the truth.


    The lift stopped, and the door slid open slowly. The tunnel ahead was just as dark and foreboding as Kai remembered. Without hesitation, he led the way, their headlamps slicing through the darkness and illuminating the rough, uneven walls of the mine.


    Kai felt a hand suddenly grab his arm. He stopped and turned to see Eliana clutching him, her expression grim and uneasy. She silently pointed deeper into the tunnel. Kai followed her gesture and saw it¡ªa body slumped against the tunnel wall, its mining suit caked in dirt and dust.


    Kai sighed softly. He had forgotten that for someone like Eliana, a dead body wasn¡¯t something you simply walked past. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ normal down here,¡± he explained quietly. ¡°There¡¯s no law, no oversight. If things go south, people don¡¯t make it out. It happens more than you¡¯d think.¡±


    Eliana didn¡¯t look convinced. Her gaze shifted to her father, narrowing with quiet blame. Kevin, who had been trailing slightly behind, caught her stare and exchanged a quick look with Kai. Both men shrugged, as if to say ¡°That¡¯s just how it is.¡±


    The three pressed on, venturing deeper and deeper into the tunnels. The air grew cooler, and the silence was only broken by the faint crunch of their boots against the ground. They paused only briefly for water and to catch their breath before continuing.


    And finally, the white hull of the buried ship came into view, its smooth surface a stark contrast against the rough rock surrounding it.


    Kevin saw it too. His eyes widened, and he pushed past Kai without a word. In his excitement, he didn¡¯t even seem to register the dead bodies strewn across the ground. Eliana, however, stopped, her expression turning grim again. She glanced at Kai, silently questioning him.


    ¡°Yeah, these are the two that attacked me,¡± Kai said casually, as if it were nothing out of the ordinary.


    Eliana opened her mouth as if to say something, but after a moment, she closed it. She turned away to join her father, who was already inspecting the hull like a man possessed.


    Kai followed behind them, watching as Kevin inspected every inch of the exposed hull, his hands trailing over the metal as if he were afraid to miss even the smallest detail. He moved with reverence, while Eliana trailed after him, her gaze darting between her father and the ancient, mysterious starship before them.


    "This is fascinating," Kevin said as he slowly stepped into the ship, moving carefully to avoid damaging the instrument panels embedded in the "floor". Eliana and Kai followed close behind, their headlamps casting long, shifting shadows across the metallic walls.


    Kai had been here just two days ago, but he hadn¡¯t taken time to explore the entire ship. He¡¯d been drawn straight to the light. Now, on his second visit, he noticed details he¡¯d missed before.


    The ship was covered with strange symbols etched onto buttons and panels. Most were completely unfamiliar to him, but their placement and design gave him a vague sense of their functions. Some looked like navigation controls; others, he guessed, were related to power systems or communications.


    Kevin moved ahead into what appeared to be the ship¡¯s main hall. The moment he entered, he froze, his gaze landing on the figure sprawled on the floor. It was the body Kai had found before¡ªlaying still with its heavy, unfamiliar space suit.


    Kevin approached cautiously, kneeling beside it to examine the suit more closely. His gloved hand traced the faded emblem on the arm. "This material... it¡¯s like nothing I¡¯ve ever seen," he murmured, more to himself than anyone else.


    Kai stood nearby, watching as Kevin inspected the body. Eliana lingered close to the doorway, her arms wrapped around herself as she stared at the lifeless figure. "Who were they?" she asked quietly, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and unease.


    "That was the captain of the ship," Kai said, his voice breaking the tense silence. "A member of the USSF."


    Kevin and Eliana both turned to him.


    "USSF?" Kevin repeated, his brows furrowing.


    Kai nodded and stepped closer. "I found a notebook here the last time. It was his diary¡­ he wrote about their daily life aboard the ship. But he also wrote something else." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "They were running from something. Something that was hunting their people."


    The weight of his words seemed to settle heavily in the air. Kevin stood up slowly, his gaze lingering on the body as if searching for answers. Eliana''s face paled, her arms tightening around herself.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "What could hunt them?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Kevin glanced at Kai, his eyes sharp with newfound urgency. "Did the diary say what it was?"


    Kai shook his head. "No, it just said they buried their signal and hoped it wouldn¡¯t find them. Whatever it was¡­ it terrified them enough to abandon everything and entomb this ship here."


    Kevin exchanged a look with Eliana, his face unusually grim. "Did you found anything else in the ship?"


    "Yes," Kai said, his voice low and uncertain. "It''s... it''s a liquid of some kind. Intelligent. It escaped the container and... and infected my body." He forced the words out, feeling a tightness in his throat. Then, he took off his helmet, and slowly breath in the toxic air of the mine.


    Kevin froze, his expression shifting as the weight of the truth hit him. For a moment, anger surged through him. The secret of the buried ship, the very thing his family might have sworn for generations to protect, was now living inside Kai. Kevin''s sharp gaze lingered on Kai''s white hair and glowing eyes, both indication for changes in his body.


    "You knew about this?" Kevin said, his voice laced with restrained tension.


    "I didn¡¯t know what it was," Kai replied, meeting his gaze with guilt in his eyes. "I didn¡¯t understand the scope of it all. I didn¡¯t mean to hide it from you. I¡¯m sorry¡­ Mr. Kevin, Eliana."


    Eliana stepped forward and stood in front of Kai, her face a mix of shock and concern, but she said nothing, she simply held Kai''s hand and comforted him.


    Kevin took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. A fallout with Kai right now would be reckless and unwise. This wasn¡¯t Kai¡¯s fault¡ªhe had been dragged into something far bigger than himself, and Kevin could see the burden weighing on him.


    Finally, Kevin exhaled, his tone softer. "You should visit the Black Swan¡¯s medical bay once we¡¯re done here. It¡¯s best if we find out exactly what this liquid is... what it¡¯s made of, and what it¡¯s doing to you."


    Kai nodded solemnly. "I¡¯ll do that. And again¡­ I¡¯m sorry."


    Eliana placed a hand on Kai¡¯s arm, her touch gentle. "We¡¯ll figure this out," she said quietly, offering him a small, reassuring smile.


    Kai remembered something and spoke up, ¡°I recall the captain mentioning that all the ship¡¯s electricity had been rerouted to support the vial. Maybe we can use the remaining power to activate one of the computers here.¡±


    ¡°Brilliant idea,¡± Kevin said, glancing around the room.


    ¡°This way,¡± Kai gestured, leading Kevin and Eliana into the captain¡¯s quarters. He vividly remembered seeing a computer embedded into the wall during his last visit.


    The screen was still there, dark and dormant. Kai approached it and pressed a random key. To his surprise, the display flickered to life¡ªblack background, white text:


    Interface locked. Please enter the password.


    Kai exchanged a glance with Kevin. Neither of them dared to input anything that could lock them out permanently.


    ¡°Perhaps we shouldn¡¯t tamper with it for now,¡± Kevin suggested, his tone cautious. ¡°I¡¯ll bring a team specialists down here to secure the site. If we can reroute power and bring the ship online, it¡¯ll be worth the wait.¡±


    Kai nodded. He didn¡¯t want to ruin their only lead, either. ¡°Maybe we should explore the rest of the ship first.¡±


    Kevin and Eliana agreed, and the three of them set off down the corridors.


    The ship¡¯s design struck Kai as vastly different from the ships in their culture. Functionality took priority over comfort¡ªthere were no lavish accommodations or unnecessary decor. Everywhere he looked were machines and system, their purposes a mystery. Even the Federation¡¯s most advanced science vessels didn¡¯t house this many computers.


    Room after room greeted them with more machines, more panels, and no answers. Disappointment hung heavy as they pushed on.


    Finally, they entered a room unlike any other. It lacked the sterile functionality of the rest of the ship. Ropes lined the walls¡ªsecured in place, clearly for weightless conditions. Kai recognized it immediately: sleeping quarters. Smaller repair ships in their world also used similar setups.


    The room was surprisingly colorful compared to the ship¡¯s otherwise dull, utilitarian aesthetic. Posters clung to the walls¡ªcrumpled but intact. Some advertised music groups Kai didn¡¯t recognize, others featured beautiful women in revealing swim clothes, and a few depicted breathtaking views of space. It was chaotic, personal, and strangely human.


    One poster, however, caught Kai¡¯s attention. He wasn¡¯t the only one ¡ª Kevin and Eliana were both staring at it too. Kai stepped closer.


    The poster showcased a massive ship accompanied by smaller vessels, traveling together toward a stunning green-and-blue planet. The words below read:


    ¡°Humanity¡¯s last hope: The Noah¡¯s Ark.¡±


    Kai stared at the poster, a strange sense of familiarity nagging at him. He knew he¡¯d seen something like this before but couldn¡¯t place where.


    ¡°Look at the thrusters on that ship,¡± Eliana said, breaking the silence. ¡°And how they¡¯re arranged¡­¡±


    ¡°It looks exactly like the tattoo of the True Kin,¡± Kevin finished, his voice heavy with realization.


    Kai¡¯s gaze lingered on the thrusters, their triangular arrangement unmistakable. His pulse quickened. The pieces were beginning to fit together.


    "We need to find where these True Kin came from. We need to find Noah''s Ark," Kevin said excitedly. "This is so much deeper than we thought. This is a mystery that could change humanity. This must be what the legend was talking about."


    Kai nodded, but before he could process Kevin''s words, a strange wave of dizziness hit him. The ship¡¯s interior blurred and faded. In the next moment, he was somewhere else¡ªfloating in the vastness of space.


    He could see the stars, countless and brilliant, but something was wrong. A presence loomed in the void. He realized he was staring into eyes¡ªtwo massive, malicious eyes lurking in the dark. His chest tightened. He wanted to scream, to look away, but his body refused to move.


    The eyes turned toward him, locking onto him like a predator finding its prey. He felt exposed, as if every part of his soul had been laid bare. The darkness shifted, and the eyes grew larger, closer, swallowing the stars and light until there was nothing but them.


    He couldn¡¯t breathe.


    And then it moved.


    The presence surged toward him, blotting out everything, as though it wanted nothing else but to find him.


    Kai jolted upright, his breath ragged as the soft, ambient light of the Black Swan''s medical bay flooded his vision. He was back. Eliana was kneeling beside him, her face pale, tears clinging to the edges of her eyes.


    ¡°Kai!¡± she gasped, grabbing his shoulders. ¡°You¡¯re awake. You scared the hell out of me.¡±


    His voice came out weak. ¡°What¡­ what happened?¡±


    ¡°You passed out,¡± Eliana said, her voice trembling. ¡°One minute you were standing there, and the next, you just¡­ collapsed. You¡¯ve been out for nearly an hour.¡±


    Kai stared at her, trying to make sense of what he¡¯d seen. It hadn¡¯t been a dream. It had been real. He could still feel the lingering weight of those eyes, their intent pressing against his chest like a phantom pain.


    Kevin appeared at the doorway, his expression serious. ¡°You¡¯re awake.¡± He stepped inside and looked at Eliana before shifting his gaze to Kai. ¡°What happened to you down there?¡±


    Kai swallowed, his throat dry. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know. I saw something. Eyes. In the dark, watching me.¡± He clenched his fists. ¡°It¡ªit found me.¡±


    Eliana looked at him, fear flashing across her face. ¡°What are you talking about? Who found you?¡±


    Kai met Kevin¡¯s gaze, his voice low and steady. ¡°Something is out there, Kevin. Something far bigger and far worse than we imagined. Far more powerful than the Federation and Empire combined, and it just found us."


    Kevin didn¡¯t speak at first. The silence stretched, and for a moment, Kai was afraid. Afraid that Kevin would call him crazy, afraid that Eliana would look at him differently.


    But it was Eliana who broke the silence. She smiled softly, ¡°Kai, you¡¯re overwhelmed,¡± she said gently. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the problems one at a time.¡±


    Kevin nodded. ¡°My daughter is right,¡± he said. ¡°If what you saw ties to what the legend foretold, then this is a challenge far greater than any of us can comprehend. But we don¡¯t start with the unknowable¡ªwe start with what we do know.¡±


    His eyes fixed on Kai. ¡°We find these True Kin. And when we do, we¡¯ll face whatever comes next, together.¡±


    Kai looked between Kevin and Eliana. Their confidence steadied him, though the shadow of what he had seen still lingered at the edges of his mind. He nodded, his voice quiet but firm.


    ¡°Together,¡± Kai repeated.

 10. Recovering the Data

    It had been two days since Kevin found the buried ship¡ªsomething he once believed existed only in the legend passed down through his family. Now, the legend had proven itself true.


    Kevin stood at the edge of the recovery site, watching the team of specialists work with practiced efficiency to unveil the ship. These were the best professionals he could find¡ªexperts flown in with urgency to handle the discovery of a lifetime. Of course, everything was kept secret to the outside world.


    In the past two days, the site had transformed. Essential equipment and machinery had been hauled down to support the effort. Floodlights illuminated the dark tunnels, revealing the ship''s massive hull. The mine shaft had been widened for easy passage, and charging stations had been set up to keep mining suits operational for prolonged hours.


    Kai was among the professionals working at the site. No one knew this region of the mine better than him, and Kevin trusted his expertise. Currently, Kai was deep in the process of helping the team uncover the ship''s exterior, working tirelessly alongside others to remove layers of rock and debris, Eliana stood behind him, supplying the necessary tools whenever he needed.


    A round of deep-penetrating scans had mapped the surrounding area of the ship. Combined with detailed 3D scans of the interior, the team uncovered something unexpected: the ship had been cut in two before it ended up here. Only a small portion of the interior was accessible for now. As for how the vessel had been buried so deep underground, the mystery remained unsolved.


    Restoring power to the ship had proven to be the most challenging part of the recovery effort. The vessel¡¯s alien layout required a great deal of adaptation. Custom parts had to be crafted to interface with its various charging ports, and the team had to painstakingly test power outputs to avoid frying the ship¡¯s electrical systems. Each step forward was careful and thoughtful, but progress was being made.


    Kevin allowed himself a small smile of satisfaction as he observed the controlled chaos of the site. The ship¡ªa relic that held answers to a forgotten past¡ªwas slowly coming back to life.


    He turned at the sound of approaching footsteps echoing down the tunnel. A group of guards emerged, escorting a man who walked carefully, holding a sleek black suitcase in his hand. The man¡¯s eyes scanned the surroundings, lingering briefly on the ship before settling on Kevin.


    ¡°Mr. Isaac, it¡¯s so nice to see you,¡± Kevin greeted warmly, extending his hand.


    ¡°Ah, Mr. Draco,¡± Isaac replied, gripping his hand in a firm handshake. ¡°I almost didn¡¯t recognize you without the usual suit. How¡¯s the new system holding up?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s working extremely well, all thanks to your expertise,¡± Kevin replied with a smile. ¡°And today, I¡¯ve got something a little more¡­ unique that needs your touch.¡±


    Isaac raised an eyebrow and glanced past Kevin, his eyes narrowing on the enormous ship half-revealed in the rock. ¡°What¡¯s this? You¡¯re into vintage shipwrecks now?¡±


    ¡°No, Mr. Isaac, this isn¡¯t just any ship,¡± Kevin said, his voice steady but deliberate. ¡°This vessel was made by a completely different civilization. And that¡¯s precisely why I brought you here¡ªI needed the best.¡±


    Isaac smirked, clearly enjoying the compliment. ¡°Is the system in English?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Kevin confirmed.


    ¡°Then you needn¡¯t worry,¡± Isaac replied, his confidence almost palpable. He patted the suitcase at his side. ¡°Give me a bit of time, and I¡¯ll crack open even the most secure data.¡±


    Kevin smiled and gestured towards the ship. ¡°Then let¡¯s get started.¡±


    Everyone paused their work, giving Isaac the space he needed to work his magic. Kai, meanwhile, coordinated with the engineering team, ensuring every last preparation was in place.


    To extract the ship¡¯s data, they had to restore its power first. Now, standing in the dark, cavernous interior of the ancient vessel, Kai, Eliana, Kevin, and Isaac waited in anticipation.


    Kevin gave Kai a firm nod. ¡°Do it.¡±


    Kai reached for the switch and flipped it.


    For a brief second, nothing happened. Then, a soft hum filled the air. The overhead lights flickered to life, bathing the room in a uniform, bright glow. Kai heard Eliana gasp softly beside him.


    One by one, the display screens lit up, their surfaces alive with cryptic boot sequences and lines of text in English. Dozens of monitors across the walls and floor illuminated simultaneously, casting shifting patterns of light and shadows across the room. The sheer scale of the ship¡¯s systems coming online was overwhelming, and for a ship that been buried under for so long, it was surprisingly intact.


    Even Isaac, who rarely broke his composed demeanor, stood momentarily frozen, his eyes wide in amazement. ¡°This¡­ this is incredible.¡±


    A grin spread across his face¡ªa mix of disbelief and pure excitement, like a child stepping into the greatest candy store ever imagined. He clapped his hands together and stepped forward, already eager to begin. ¡°Let¡¯s see what secrets you¡¯ve been hiding, old girl.¡±


    Isaac was in his element now. Using a custom-made adapter, he connected his laptop to one of the ship¡¯s consoles. Kai watched as Isaac opened a program, lines of code flashing across the screen as his fingers flew over the keyboard.


    Not even a minute had passed before Isaac chuckled and said, ¡°Done.¡±


    Kevin stepped forward, peering over Isaac¡¯s shoulder. ¡°That was impressively quick, Isaac.¡±


    Isaac wore a proud expression. ¡°The ship¡¯s system was surprisingly easy to decode. I wouldn¡¯t expect much else from a ship this old.¡±


    Kai and Eliana moved closer, their eyes fixed on the screen. A table of contents appeared, neatly displayed.


    ¡°What¡¯s in here?¡± Eliana asked.


    ¡°Everything the ship logged is here,¡± Isaac replied.


    ¡°Can you search for a ship that might have contacted this one? It¡¯s called Noah¡¯s Ark,¡± Kai said.


    ¡°Give me a second.¡± Isaac typed in the keywords, but the results came back empty¡ªzero matches.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s under a code name,¡± Kai suggested. ¡°Try ¡®NA.¡¯¡±


    Isaac entered the new query. This time, the number of matches shot up to over 100. He narrowed the results by filtering for communication logs between this ship and others.


    Only three results remained, all text files labeled with ¡°NA-1¡± in the titles. Isaac sorted them by date and clicked on the first one£º


    "To: NA-1


    Old buddy, how are you doing? I hope this message reaches you in a timely manner.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    I heard about your departure and wanted to congratulate you on a successful launch.


    It¡¯s also with my deepest sadness that we had to abandon our home. I don¡¯t want to dwell too much on that¡ªwe still have hope, and I wish you a safe journey on your way to New Haven.


    Things are not looking good on my end. I think it¡¯s catching up to us. I can feel it. Sometimes, I can even see the stars dim. I don¡¯t know how far it is, but I¡¯m sure it¡¯s on its way toward us. We might have to launch the decoy sooner than I would like.


    Keep the last hope for humanity alive. May God be on your side.


    Lt. Col. Smith, USSF"


    Isaac clicked on the second message:


    "To: NA-1


    Old buddy, I hope you¡¯re doing okay. I haven¡¯t heard back from you. How¡¯s my family? Are they safe? Please reply ASAP.


    Things just got worse over here. I¡¯m sure I saw it yesterday. The stars should be there, but they weren¡¯t. We¡¯ll have to launch the decoy soon. I hope it does its job and keeps that thing away from humanity.


    Please keep my family safe. God bless.


    Lt. Col. Smith, USSF"


    Kai and Eliana exchanged worried looks.


    Kai spoke first, ¡°NA-1 has to be Noah¡¯s Ark¡­ and it was heading to a place called New Haven.¡±


    Kevin nodded, his expression grim. ¡°And Smith¡­ he was going in a different path. Carrying a decoy to lure the danger away from the rest of humanity.¡±


    "Let''s see the final one." Isaac said intrigued as well.


    The final message wasn¡¯t written¡ªit was an audio file. Isaac spent some time decrypting the ancient format and converting it into something his computer could understand. The tension in the ship was palpable as the moments stretched. Eliana clutched Kai¡¯s arm tightly, her grip firm.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Isaac finally said, his voice low, as if speaking any louder might shatter the fragile atmosphere. He pressed play.


    A gravelly voice crackled to life:


    ¡°Old buddy¡­ why aren¡¯t you replying to my messages? Answer me. How¡¯s my family doing?¡±


    The voice trembled slightly, exhaustion and desperation seeping through the static.


    ¡°A scout caught up to us. We¡¯re done for. Our ship¡¯s damaged, and I had to launch the decoy early. I hope it¡¯ll lead harm away from humanity¡­ for as long as possible.¡±


    The recording cut briefly, the silence broken only by faint background hisses. Then the voice returned, quieter and more strained.


    ¡°Johnathan did a spacewalk today. He said there was some kind of strange liquid on the ship¡¯s exterior. We got a sample¡­ I want to know what it is, see if we can figure out how this thing works.¡±


    Another pause¡ªshort, but heavy. Then the voice came back, raw and unsteady.


    ¡°I saw it. I saw its eyes staring back at me.¡±


    The words sent a chill through Kai, the same cold fear he¡¯d felt when his own vision darkened and those eyes looked at him.


    The voice took on a resigned tone now, each word heavy with finality.


    ¡°I¡¯m locking the sample away. We¡¯re out of time. Sera found a planet¡ªwe¡¯re going to land there. This will be my last transmission. If you ever get this, Jack¡­ I hope you bring the rest of humanity to New Haven safely.¡±


    The recording faded, leaving only static humming softly through the speakers.


    For a long time, no one spoke. The silence was only broken when Isaac let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°So, Kevin¡­ is this some kind of joke?¡±


    Kevin shook his head firmly, his expression deadly serious.


    ¡°This couldn¡¯t be true!¡± Isaac insisted, his voice rising. ¡°We all know the history of humanity¡ªevery step has been documented since the first written word. This has to be a hoax!¡±


    Kevin¡¯s calm rebuttal cut through Isaac¡¯s doubt. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me that an entirely alien civilization just happened to look and sound exactly like us? They had the same names, the same language, the same everything?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Isaac stammered, running a hand through his hair. ¡°And where is this ¡®thing¡¯ Smith was talking about? Huh? I don¡¯t see anything destroying stars now, nor has anyone in history ever seen it! There¡¯s no record of such a thing existing.¡±


    Kai¡¯s voice broke through the tension, cold and certain. ¡°I did.¡±


    Isaac turned to him, startled.


    ¡°And it knows where we are,¡± Kai added, his words hanging heavy in the air.


    Isaac didn¡¯t respond. It was Kai¡¯s words against his logic, both didn''t have solid evidence.


    Eliana¡¯s voice came in soft but steady, bridging the tension. ¡°Like my father said, this is bigger than all of us. We need to solve this one piece at a time and figure out the bigger picture later.¡± She turned toward Isaac. ¡°Mr. Isaac, is there any way you can determine where NA-1 or this New Haven is?¡±


    Isaac exhaled slowly, regaining his composure. ¡°I can try,¡± he muttered, his fingers already flying across the keyboard as he search for the data.


    A list of coordinates popped up on Isaac¡¯s screen¡ªso many that they couldn¡¯t even fit all at once. He frowned, running the data through a location software. The results didn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kai asked.


    Isaac shook his head, puzzled. ¡°The map these coordinates create¡­ it doesn¡¯t align with any map we have of the universe.¡±


    He stared at the screen, thinking hard. Then, suddenly, a realization hit him. He raised his head, his face lit with understanding.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kevin asked, his tone sharp.


    Isaac looked up. ¡°Our map of the universe is based on the position of Terra in the Aurelia Prime system¡ªwhat we know as the birthplace of humanity.¡±


    Kai, still staring at the evidence before him, muttered, ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that anymore.¡± He turned to Isaac. ¡°So you¡¯re saying their map isn¡¯t based on Terra?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Isaac said, nodding. ¡°That would explain why nothing lines up. Their map must use a completely different point of reference¡ªsomewhere else entirely.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Eliana pressed, ¡°are the locations still real?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Isaac confirmed with confidence. ¡°The coordinates are real. I can tell you that much. It¡¯s just the map itself that doesn¡¯t match ours.¡±


    ¡°Is there a way to align it with our map?¡± Kevin asked, his voice steady.


    Isaac sighed. ¡°Sure, but it won¡¯t be simple. It¡¯s like sliding a puzzle piece across a massive table of pieces until it clicks into place. This laptop can¡¯t handle that kind of processing¡ªit¡¯s going to require a supercomputer. I¡¯ll need to run this data back at a proper facility.¡±


    Kevin¡¯s expression darkened as he lowered his voice. ¡°Do whatever you need to, Isaac, but listen carefully. This information doesn¡¯t leave this room. There are people out there who will kill for this. We¡¯ve already seen what they¡¯re willing to do before we arrived at the mine.¡± He looked at each of them in turn, his voice firm. ¡°From now on, no one talks about this except the four of us and the crew of the Black Swan. Understood?¡±


    Everyone nodded, exchanging looks. They had come face-to-face with a truth that could change everything they thought they knew about humanity¡¯s history. It was a dangerous secret¡ªone they now shared.


    Kai, Eliana, and Kevin returned to the Black Swan, their temporary home for the past two days.


    Kai had switched back to his familiar leather jacket, feeling more like himself, while Eliana sat comfortably in her sweater and jeans. The two of them shared a table in the galley, finishing a meal together. Kevin leaned against the wall nearby, quietly sipping his tea.


    Commander Grayson entered the room with his usual efficient stride, a rare smile on his face. ¡°Friends, I have news for you.¡±


    All eyes turned to him, the air thick with anticipation.


    ¡°The vehicles involved in the attack had to come from somewhere,¡± Grayson began. ¡°So, we combed through the Black Swan¡¯s log system, and sure enough, a ship jumped away just minutes after we neutralized the True Kin¡¯s forces. It was a Corsair dropship.¡±


    ¡°So it was there to pick up the ground team after they raided the mine,¡± Kai said, his voice steady.


    ¡°Most likely,¡± Grayson agreed, nodding. ¡°And now that we have its quantum drive signature, we have their ship¡¯s fingerprint.¡±


    ¡°We should chase after it,¡± Kai said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s the only lead we have.¡±


    Grayson turned to Kevin, awaiting his decision. Kevin met his gaze, nodded once, and spoke with authority. ¡°Commander Grayson, I trust you to take on the task of finding that ship.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Grayson replied without hesitation.


    ¡°I¡¯m going too,¡± Kai said, pushing his chair back and standing.


    ¡°If Kai is going, then I¡¯m going too,¡± Eliana chimed in before anyone could object.


    ¡°Eliana,¡± Kevin said, shaking his head. His voice carried both frustration and concern. ¡°This is not the time¡ª¡±


    ¡°Father,¡± Eliana interrupted, her tone resolute, ¡°I¡¯m not a little girl anymore. I can take care of myself. I¡¯m tired of being trapped in the city. I want to see what¡¯s out there.¡±


    The room fell silent. Father and daughter locked eyes in a battle of wills. Kevin studied her expression, seeing the fire in her gaze¡ªthe same fire that had burned in her mother¡¯s eyes years ago. Brave, determined, and yearning for freedom.


    Finally, Kevin¡¯s shoulders relaxed, and his voice softened. ¡°Commander Grayson,¡± he said quietly, ¡°take care of my daughter and Kai.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s face lit up with excitement as she turned to Kai. They had grown close over the past few days, sharing trust and camaraderie. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile back, knowing they were about to chase the stars together. His dream was finally coming true.


    But when Eliana looked away, Kai¡¯s smile faltered. Doubts crept in. There was so much he still didn¡¯t understand: the mystery of the buried USSF starship, a relic with the potential to rewrite humanity¡¯s history; the True Kin, a dangerous faction shrouded in secrecy; the brewing conflict between the Empire and the Federation, with the threat of war looming ever closer.


    And, most chilling of all, the force that could dim the stars. The weight of its unseen presence bore down on him, like an itch in his mind. He could feel it¡ªthe eyes, watching him from the void. The strange liquid inside him tingled, a constant reminder that he had been chosen for something.


    But chosen for what?


    ¡°One step at a time,¡± Kai muttered to himself, echoing Kevin¡¯s words. ¡°Solve one piece of the puzzle at a time.¡±


    The first step was clear: find that Corsair dropship.

 11. A New Life

    Kai looked at his home for the past few months and said a final, ¡°Goodbye.¡± He closed the small door to the equally small portable shack built as a temporary housing solution for miners like him. Beyond his shack, hundreds of others lay scattered across the barren red desert floor like forgotten remnants of a transient life.


    It was hard to believe that just five days ago, he had been nothing more than a refugee¡ªa man who escaped the devastation of his homeworld, Velmorra. The Empire¡¯s invasion turned his city into a war zone, fleets of imperial bombers reducing everything to rubble. Ever since, he had wandered from place to place across the galaxy, eventually becoming a miner on Drakmoor.


    Kai didn¡¯t own much. He had left Velmorra in a hurry, grabbing only what he could before the bombs fell. Now, as he shouldered his worn backpack, he realized it still held everything he owned.


    But this time felt different. His dream was finally coming true. The universe had chosen him to discover the buried ship, a relic of the past that could change humanity¡¯s future. For the first time, he didn¡¯t feel lost. He didn¡¯t feel empty. And most importantly, he didn¡¯t feel alone.


    Kai turned to see Eliana already waiting for him, smiling. She looked so different now, but just as beautiful in the crisp Black Swan uniform.


    The uniform was sleek, black as night with subtle silver accents outlining its sharp edges. It hugged her figure in all the right places but remained functional, exuding authority and poise. Her black hair was tied back into a neat ponytail, her hazel eyes, shifting between green and gold in the morning light.


    ¡°Ready to leave all this behind?¡± she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.


    Kai met her gaze and, for the first time in a long while, couldn¡¯t stop himself from smiling back.


    Behind Eliana, a sleek four-seater craft stood on top of a sand dune, its polished surface gleaming faintly under the sunlight. Kai glanced at the craft, then back at her, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°You flew here?¡±


    ¡°How else do you think I got here?¡± Eliana chuckled, a teasing glint in her hazel eyes.


    Kai smiled and shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just¡­ I¡¯ve never seen you fly before.¡± He stepped toward her, the desert wind brushing against them.


    Eliana opened her arms, pulling Kai into a warm hug. ¡°You¡¯re in for a surprise then,¡± she whispered, grinning.


    They climbed into the craft, the cockpit canopy lowering smoothly around them with a soft hiss, sealing them inside. Eliana settled into the pilot¡¯s seat, her movements confident and precise, while Kai slid into the co-pilot¡¯s seat to her right.


    Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the interior. The control panel was sparse, with far fewer instruments than the rugged drop ship Ray flew. Every surface gleamed with polished precision, clean lines, and a touch of luxury. The ship¡¯s design was elegant and minimalist, yet undeniably high-end¡ªsomething more like an art peice than an actual ship.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a sports car,¡± Kai murmured, running his hand along the smooth edge of the console.


    Eliana smirked as her fingers danced across the controls, lighting up the ship. ¡°I guess you could say that. Just one that can fly.¡±


    Kai shook his head in awe, settling back into his seat. ¡°You really are full of surprises, Eliana.¡±


    ¡°And this is just the beginning,¡± she replied, her smile confident as the engines hummed to life.


    Kai noticed that, besides the dual joysticks for the pilot and co-pilot, all other controls were streamlined into a sleek center console¡ªa large touchscreen embedded seamlessly into the dashboard.


    The controls were remarkably simplified. To prepare the ship for takeoff, all Eliana had to do was tap the ¡°Start¡± button on the screen. No switches to flip, no endless rows of dials or instrument clusters to monitor. This ship wasn¡¯t built for utility or rugged use; it was designed for one purpose: transporting the wealthy in absolute comfort and style.


    As the cabin pressurized with a soft hiss, Eliana smoothly lifted the craft straight up. Kai watched as the view outside tilted slightly when she added forward thrust, the ship picking up speed effortlessly.


    The acceleration pushed Kai back into his seat, the force pressing against him in a way that made him grin like a child on his first ride. His heart raced with excitement.


    "Wanna give it a try?" Eliana asked, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.


    "Of course!" Kai replied, unable to hide his excitement.


    Eliana tapped the center console and handed over the controls to the co-pilot seat. ¡°All yours, just don¡¯t crash.¡±


    Kai started with small, cautious maneuvers. The controls felt surprisingly smooth and intuitive. The left stick adjusted the ship¡¯s vertical and horizontal movement, while the right controlled pitch and yaw. Two pedals beneath his feet turned the craft left or right.


    His hands began to warm up again, the subtle sensation of the liquid coursing inside him making him hyperaware of every motion. The ship responded to his touch with precision, like an extension of his body.


    Kai grinned as confidence surged through him. He pushed the ship lower, weaving between the sand dunes. The vessel glided effortlessly, dodging the natural obstacles with breathtaking agility. Dust kicked up behind them in shimmering plumes as Kai flew closer to the ground, making the ship dart left, then right, before climbing sharply and leveling out in a smooth arc.


    Eliana, clutching her seat, let out a nervous laugh. ¡°Are you trying to give me a heart attack?¡± she teased, though her smile betrayed her excitement.


    Kai didn¡¯t answer; his focus was sharp, his movements deliberate yet daring. The craft dipped and rolled, mirroring the kind of maneuvers Ivan had done with the Black Swan.


    Eliana watched him closely. She could see his confidence growing with every twist and turn. At first, her fingers tightened around the armrest, but the longer she watched, the more she began to relax. A grin spread across her face as the thrill washed over her, and she couldn¡¯t help but cheer as Kai pulled another crazy stunt.


    ¡°This is insane!¡± she shouted over the hum of the engines. But deep down, she was impressed. She liked watching Kai fly. His face was focused, radiating a quiet confidence that she found somewhat...sexy. There was something about the way he handled the ship, smooth, precise, completely in control. It suited him. Eliana found herself smiling, unable to look away.


    Kai guided the ship back into the sky, the wingtips carving graceful arcs through the air, leaving behind two shimmering vortex trails. He leveled the craft, letting it glide smoothly before releasing the controls, allowing the autopilot to take over.


    A laugh escaped Kai, pure and unrestrained, as he turned to meet Eliana¡¯s gaze. She was panting slightly, her face touched with a faint blush, but there was no mistaking the exhilaration in her wide grin.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn¡¯t awkward; it felt natural, filled with something unspoken yet understood. Kai noticed the way the light reflected in Eliana¡¯s hazel eyes, shifting between gold and green. Eliana, in turn, caught the faint, mysterious glow in Kai¡¯s pupils, a soft, otherworldly blue.


    Time seemed to pause as they simply looked at each other, Kai saw Eliana lean in slowly, and for a moment, he thought she was going for a kiss. His instincts told him to lean in too, but his logic screamed at him to stop. There was too much at stake. She was the daughter of one of the most powerful and wealthy men on the planet. He was just a miner¡ªsomeone who, only months ago, didn¡¯t even have a place to call home. His gaze broke away, shifting awkwardly to the side.


    Eliana noticed the flicker of hesitation in his eyes, the faint glow dimming. She pulled back, feeling a pang of embarrassment. What am I doing? she thought. Was she really about to kiss a man she¡¯d only known for a few days? She didn¡¯t want to seem impulsive, let alone easy, but the feelings that had driven her were undeniably real.


    For a brief moment, neither of them knew what to say. The hum of the engines filled the silence between them as Eliana turned her face away, staring out the window. Her heart still raced, her thoughts a tangled mess.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kai opened his mouth as if to say something, but closed it again, unsure of the right words. Finally, Eliana let out a small, nervous laugh, breaking the tension. ¡°You flew really good for a beginner,¡± she said softly, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.


    Kai managed a smile, though it didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes. ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied, his voice equally quiet.


    They both knew something had almost happened. A line had nearly been crossed, but for now, it remained unspoken.


    Luckily, Kai quickly found a topic to ease the tension in the small craft.


    ¡°How was your visit home? I imagine your mother wasn¡¯t happy about you leaving,¡± Kai asked.


    Eliana eagerly jumped on the topic. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought too, but she was surprisingly open about it. I guess it has something to do with the possible invasion, and she thinks I¡¯ll be safer elsewhere.¡±


    Kai nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the horizon. A silent countdown loomed in his mind, ticking toward a war that felt inevitable. He hoped, somehow, there¡¯d be a way to stop it. The last thing he wanted was for anyone else to experience the same pain he had. ¡°What about your father? He didn¡¯t seem too happy about your decision.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s expression softened. ¡°My mom talked him through it. They¡¯ll be staying, though. Drakmoor and Draco Mining are everything they have. My father wants to help the Federation prepare for the attack.¡±


    Kai frowned, a shadow passing over his face. ¡°I don¡¯t think the Federation will be able to fend off the Empire¡¯s forces¡­ Their fleet is simply too powerful.¡±


    Eliana¡¯s mood darkened too. Drakmoor was her home¡ªthe only place she¡¯d ever known. She couldn¡¯t imagine losing it. ¡°I don¡¯t know why the Empire would suddenly break the peace treaty like this¡­ Do you think it has something to do with the buried ship?¡±


    Kai considered it. ¡°It¡¯s possible. The True Kin somehow knew about it, so I can¡¯t imagine the Empire wouldn¡¯t find out as well.¡±


    Eliana smiled optimistically, ¡°Seems like all we can do now is follow the lead of the True Kin.¡±


    Kai nodded, lost in thought for a moment.


    ¡°Look,¡± Eliana pointed ahead, drawing Kai¡¯s attention.


    He followed her gaze. ¡°It¡¯s the Black Swan.¡±


    Green and red strobe lights flashed in the distance, piercing through the clouds. Kai¡¯s eyes narrowed as he made out the familiar silhouette of the Black Swan hovering majestically above. A small port began to open on the side of the ship¡ªa landing bay waiting for them to dock.


    ¡°Want to do the honors?¡± Eliana teased, her voice playful. ¡°Since you¡¯re such a good pilot and all.¡±


    Kai grinned, confidence sparking in his eyes. ¡°Challenge accepted.¡±


    He took over the controls, steady hands guiding the craft upward until it leveled with the Black Swan. He adjusted the angle of their approach, aiming the nose of the ship perfectly for the open landing bay. As they neared, Kai made precise adjustments, the craft gliding effortlessly into the hangar.


    At the last second, Kai deployed the landing gear and eased the craft down in one motion. It touched the landing pad smoothly with barely any feedback.


    Kai turned to Eliana, an expectant look on his face. She smirked and gave him an approving nod. ¡°Well done, pilot.¡±


    A satisfying hiss sounded as the canopy opened. Eliana and Kai climbed out of the four-seater and stepped onto the landing pad. Commander Grayson was already waiting for them, his tall frame and sharp gaze radiating unyielding authority.


    ¡°Eliana. Kai,¡± he greeted them.


    ¡°Commander Grayson,¡± they replied in unison.


    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you both arrived safely,¡± he said, one eyebrow raised. ¡°Care to explain why the flight log showed that the craft was flying meters above the ground on multiple occasions?¡±


    Eliana and Kai exchanged a guilty look. Kai cleared his throat awkwardly. ¡°Sorry, Commander. I was just¡­ testing the ship a little.¡±


    ¡°If you wanted to improve your piloting skills, there¡¯s a state-of-the-art training room onboard the Black Swan,¡± Grayson said, his voice stern. ¡°You didn¡¯t need to endanger yourself or Eliana.¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t in any danger,¡± Eliana added quietly, folding her arms.


    Commander Grayson fixed them with a hard stare, his expression unreadable. Then, suddenly, he burst into laughter, the deep sound echoing through the landing bay. ¡°I¡¯m just messing with you two. Relax. You weren¡¯t in any real danger. Ivan was shadowing your flight the entire time, ready to take over if Kai made a mistake. And between us, I think he¡¯s a little jealous of how good you are for a beginner.¡±


    Kai and Eliana¡¯s shoulders eased as guilt turned to relief. Eliana smiled brightly and threw her arms around Commander Grayson. ¡°I knew you were messing with me.¡±


    Commander Grayson chuckled, patting Kai firmly on the back. ¡°Seriously though, kid, you¡¯ve got talent. You handled that ship like a natural. If you want, I can shape you into a proper pilot.¡±


    Kai blinked, surprised at the unexpected compliment. He glanced at Eliana, who gave him an encouraging smile.


    ¡°It will be an honor, sir,¡± Kai said, standing a little straighter.


    Commander Grayson gave him a firm pat on the shoulder and looked at them both. ¡°Come, let me give you a tour of the ship while Teresa figures out where that Corsair drop ship went. As official members of the Black Swan crew, you¡¯ll need to know where everything is and how each area functions. And yes, that includes you, Eliana.¡±


    Eliana smirked but nodded, standing tall beside Kai. ¡°Understood, Commander.¡±


    Kai followed suit, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Grayson said, turning sharply on his heel. ¡°Let¡¯s start with the basics¡ªyou¡¯ll need to know how to pull your weight around here. Everyone has a job on this ship, no exceptions.¡±


    Eliana shot a playful look at Kai as they followed the commander deeper into the Black Swan, her tone teasing, ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll finally get to see if you¡¯re good at more than just flying.¡±


    Kai rolled his eyes but smiled, keeping pace with Eliana. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you outshine me.¡±


    Commander Grayson glanced back with a half-smile. ¡°Keep that energy up, you are going to need it. Follow me now as I guide you through each area of the ship." He waved his hand for Eliana and Kai to follow.


    The commander led the two new crew members out of the landing bay and into the cargo room, a space they were already familiar with from their first visit. It was where workers had loaded supplies for the mine. From there, the three took the elevator up to the second level.


    ¡°This level houses most of the ship¡¯s essentials for daily life,¡± Commander Grayson explained.


    He gestured to the crew quarters first, three rows of compact yet functional bunks designed for efficiency. Alongside the bunks, there were three individual guest rooms. ¡°You two can each pick one to stay in,¡± Grayson said, nodding at Kai and Eliana. ¡°Consider it a small luxury for the two of you.¡±


    Continuing through the corridor, they arrived at the medical bay. Bright, sterile, and filled with top-tier technology, the room featured an all-in-one medical bed capable of performing advanced diagnostics and treatments autonomously. ¡°This is where you come if anything happens,¡± Grayson said, his tone firm. ¡°You¡¯ll find no better medical equipment on most ships.¡±


    Moving toward the midsection, the group passed the galley on one side¡ªcompact yet functional¡ªand the adjacent R&R area, a cozy space with a few seats, a table, and a screen for entertainment. ¡°You¡¯ll find this is where most of the crew spends their downtime,¡± Grayson added casually.


    At the bow of the second level was the bridge, an area both Kai and Eliana were already familiar with, alongside the captain¡¯s quarters and the small but well-equipped meeting room.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Grayson said, leading them to a small one-person lift. ¡°We¡¯re headed to the top level now. One at a time.¡±


    Eliana went first, then Kai, and finally Grayson joined them at the top level. The bow housed the training room¡ªa surprisingly large space with simulators and open areas for physical training.


    ¡°This is where you¡¯ll sharpen your skills,¡± Grayson said. ¡°You¡¯ll need them.¡±


    Moving toward the midship and stern, the group reached the engineering bay. The hum of the ship¡¯s systems filled the air, and the room was alive with the soft glow of status panels and machinery. Grayson didn¡¯t linger long, though, merely offering a glance at the core systems¡ªthe engines, reactors, and the Black Swan¡¯s quantum drive.


    ¡°I won¡¯t get into too much detail here,¡± Grayson said, waving a hand toward the sprawling systems. ¡°You¡¯ll need time to learn it all. Operating a starship isn¡¯t something you learn in a day.¡±


    Turning to face them both, Grayson¡¯s expression grew serious. ¡°Flying a ship like this isn¡¯t a one-person task. It¡¯s a symphony¡ªa coordination of every crew member working together. That¡¯s why I want both of you to start learning everything, even outside your designated roles. Knowing how the ship operates can save lives when things go wrong.¡±


    Kai and Eliana exchanged a look, both of them absorbing the weight of his words. Grayson gave a small nod of approval. ¡°You¡¯re part of this crew now. You¡¯ll learn, you¡¯ll adapt, and soon enough, you¡¯ll understand what it means to work as a team on the Black Swan.¡±


    With that, the tour was complete, and the three took the elevator at midship down to the second level, making their way to the bridge.


    ¡°Just in time, Commander,¡± Teresa said as they stepped in. Her sharp eyes flicked between her console and the group. ¡°We¡¯ve got a match to their jump signal, sir. It¡¯s in the Eryon System.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s two jumps away from here,¡± Commander Grayson replied, immediately taking his place at the center of the bridge. ¡°Ivan, plot a course and prepare for launch.¡±


    ¡°Already on it, Commander,¡± Ivan responded, his hands flying across the controls as the Black Swan¡¯s systems hummed to life.


    ¡°Teresa,¡± Grayson continued, ¡°what¡¯s our estimated time to intercept?¡±


    ¡°A full day, sir,¡± Teresa replied confidently. ¡°We¡¯ve got more advanced quantum drives and sensors than their ship. Once we¡¯re on their tail, it won¡¯t take long to catch up.¡±


    Kai felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he looked out through the bridge¡¯s forward viewport to the stars beyond. The vertical thrusters beneath them began to vibrate as the Black Swan¡¯s fly upwards and away from the planet.


    Eliana stepped up beside him, her voice low but steady. ¡°A full day gives us little time to prepare."


    Kai nodded, his gaze fixed on the star-filled expanse ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s just hope we¡¯re ready when we find them.¡±


    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice cut through the quiet hum. ¡°All stations, prepare to jump. We¡¯re going hunting.¡±

 12. Simulation

    All the excitement and anticipation for space vanished for Kai after his first Quantum Jump. He had only experienced Close to Lightspeed travel when he escaped Velmorra, which had left him feeling like he¡¯d downed a few bottles of cheap booze. Now he learned that CTL travel was nothing compared to Faster Than Light travel. FTL travel felt like getting drunk and then being shoved into an industrial-sized laundry machine on full spin.


    ¡°Jump drive at 100 percent, alignment complete,¡± Ivan announced from the pilot''s seat. ¡°Jumping in three, two¡­¡±


    Kai¡¯s eyes widened in excitement. This was a dream come true¡ªbeing on the bridge to witness a jump. He imagined the view: stars streaking past at lightning speed, the universe warping into a blur before disappearing altogether.


    ¡°One.¡±


    The moment Ivan said it, Kai¡¯s stomach dropped. It felt like his insides were being ripped out, twisted, and shoved back in. He barely had time to cover his mouth before bolting straight for the washroom. Even though the actual jump only lasted a few seconds, Kai didn¡¯t reappear for nearly an hour.


    Commander Grayson and Eliana waited for him outside in the galley, each sipping on a cup of hot tea to ease their own post-jump discomfort.


    ¡°You never told me it was his first time,¡± Commander Grayson said, raising an eyebrow at Eliana.


    ¡°Well,¡± Eliana muttered, avoiding his gaze, ¡°I just assumed everyone over sixteen had experienced it at least once.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, in your world maybe,¡± Grayson replied, shaking his head. ¡°The truth is, most people in the galaxy will never experience FTL travel in their entire lives. You know we have pills for first-timers, right?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think¡­¡± Eliana started but trailed off as the washroom door slided open.


    Kai finally emerged, looking like he¡¯d aged ten years in the last hour. His face was pale and clammy, sweat dripping from his brow. His usual confident posture was gone, replaced with a slouch as he leaned against the wall for support. His hair stuck out in all directions, and his steps were unsteady, like a newborn foal learning to walk.


    ¡°Oh, Kai,¡± Eliana said with concern, rushing to his side. She took a small bottle on the table, popping out a pill. ¡°Here, take this¡ªit¡¯ll help.¡±


    Kai groaned softly but didn¡¯t argue, swallowing the pill as she slipped an arm under his to steady him. ¡°Come on, big guy,¡± she said gently. ¡°Let¡¯s get you to bed.¡±


    Commander Grayson chuckled over the rim of his tea as he watched Eliana and Kai stumbled out of the door. ¡°Welcome to life among the stars, kid.¡±


    Eliana helped Kai into his room and gently put him on the bed.


    "How are you feeling right now?" Eliana asked.


    "Not... not too good," Kai managed to say before hurriedly covering his mouth with his hand.


    "Alright, give it a little time for the pill to kick in, then you¡¯ll feel a lot better." Eliana patted Kai on his back. "Let me get some water for you."


    Kai nodded silently and watched as Eliana got up. He felt vulnerable and exposed, hating the thought of Eliana seeing him like this, but he was too weak to protest or do anything about it.


    Eliana returned a moment later with a cup of warm water and an empty bucket. ¡°Just in case you don¡¯t feel well again,¡± she said, placing them down next to him.


    "Sorry," Kai muttered weakly.


    "Hmm?" Eliana tilted her head, not quite catching what he said. She sat beside him on the bed, her voice softer now. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know it was your first time. I meant jumping.¡±


    Kai managed a faint smile in response. ¡°You¡¯re fine,¡± he murmured.


    Eliana smiled back, her eyes kind, before gently pushing Kai down until he lay flat on the bed. ¡°You should get some rest now.¡± As she spoke, she reached for his jacket, carefully trying to pull it off.


    Kai blinked in surprise, a mix of embarrassment and confusion flashing across his face. ¡°What are you¡ª?¡±


    ¡°Just the jacket,¡± Eliana said with a small chuckle. ¡°Keep your dirty mind to yourself.¡±


    She carefully slid the leather jacket off his shoulders, her movements cautious and gentle. But as her hand brushed against his torso, her fingers unintentionally grazed the firm outline of his abs through the thin shirt. Her cheeks flushed a soft pink as she froze for a brief moment.


    Kai noticed her hesitation and raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smirk tugging at his lips despite his exhaustion.


    Eliana quickly pulled the jacket away, clearing her throat and looking anywhere but at Kai. ¡°I told you¡ªjust the jacket,¡± she muttered, feigning annoyance and tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.


    She placed the jacket neatly beside his bed and took a moment to regain her composure. When she glanced back at him, his eyes were already half-closed, tiredness lingering on his face.


    ¡°Sleep, Kai,¡± Eliana said softly, brushing her blush aside as she stood up and left the room.


    Indeed, the pill had worked. Kai woke up a few hours later feeling much better. Aside from a faint nausea, there was no other discomfort. He sat up and swung his legs off the bed, noticing his leather jacket neatly folded beside him. He couldn¡¯t remember everything clearly, but he did recall how kind Eliana had been to him.


    Three soft knocks on his door pulled him from his thoughts.


    ¡°Come in,¡± he called.


    The door slid open, and Eliana stepped inside, holding a pile of neatly folded clothes.


    ¡°Hi, good morning, Kai,¡± she said with a cheerful smile, before glancing out the window at the vast emptiness of space. ¡°Well, I mean, it¡¯s about morning time on Drakmoor, so... Oh, here¡ªyour uniform.¡± She handed the clothes to Kai. ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside.¡±


    Kai nodded, taking the uniform and watching as Eliana stepped back and let the door slide shut behind her. He unfolded the uniform and inspected it. It was sleek and professional¡ªjust like the others he¡¯d seen the crew wear. A black, form-fitting suit with silver lining along the seams and shoulders. On the left chest was the insignia of the Draco mining company.


    The fabric felt surprisingly comfortable, far from the stiff uniforms he expected. Kai slipped into it easily, fastening the high collar and smoothing out any creases. He glanced at himself in the small mirror in his room. For the first time in a long time, he looked like he belonged somewhere¡ªpart of a crew.


    Kai opened the door, and Eliana was waiting patiently outside. When she saw him, her eyes lit up with approval.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Eliana said, smiling brightly. ¡°You look good, Kai. The uniform suits you.¡±


    Kai¡¯s lips quirked into a small grin. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan for today?¡± he asked, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves.


    ¡°Well,¡± Eliana replied, leading him down the corridor, ¡°everyone¡¯s doing their tasks on the bridge. The quantum drive¡¯s still cooling down, so we¡¯ve got a bit of downtime until the next jump. Commander Grayson said we should use the time to do some training in the training room.¡±


    ¡°Training, huh?¡± Kai echoed, feeling the faint twinge of excitement. ¡°What kind of training?¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see,¡± Eliana teased, throwing him a playful look as they made their way to the ship¡¯s training deck.


    Commander Grayson was already in the training room, tinkering with the controls on the central console.


    ¡°Ah, Kai, how are you feeling today?¡± Grayson greeted as Kai entered. He gave an approving nod. ¡°You look good in that uniform.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Commander, I feel fine now¡± Kai replied with a small smile. ¡°Eliana mentioned you wanted us to use the wait time for a bit of training.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Grayson said, his tone serious but welcoming. ¡°Now that we¡¯re in space, combat will become part of the norm¡ªespecially with pirates lurking in every system. I¡¯ve set up a ship defense scenario for the two of you. You¡¯ll be defending the Black Swan from a pirate boarding attempt.¡±


    Kai¡¯s gaze drifted to Eliana, who was already strapping on a set of VR goggles and stepping onto one of the circular training pads. She tested it, walking and jogging in place. No matter how much she moved, she remained perfectly centered.


    Kai grinned. This could be fun.


    He stepped onto the pad next to Eliana¡¯s and pulled on his own set of goggles. The moment they settled over his eyes, the scenery changed in an instant.


    He was no longer in the training room. In the immersive view of the VR, he stood on the bridge of the Black Swan, the world around him feeling so real it was uncanny. He took a tentative step forward, and it felt as if he was genuinely walking, his brain easily tricked by the realism. There was no delay in his movements¡ªeverything felt perfectly natural.


    ¡°Kai.¡±


    He turned to see Eliana standing nearby, also in VR. She motioned for him to come over. Kai approached her as she crouched by one of the pilot seats, pulling out a small pistol from underneath.


    ¡°Here,¡± Eliana said, holding the gun out to him. ¡°Emergency weapons are stored under the seats on the Black Swan. Always good to know.¡± She spun her own pistol with a playful smirk.


    Commander Grayson¡¯s voice boomed over the PA system, ¡°Please don¡¯t play with your guns, Eliana. And remember¡ªaim away from your friends. Keep your trigger finger off the trigger until you¡¯re ready to fire.¡±


    Eliana shrugged sheepishly, lowering the weapon.


    ¡°Now,¡± Grayson continued, ¡°I¡¯ll load up a simple shooting range for you both. Get used to handling the weapons before we move on to the real challenge.¡±


    Kai tightened his grip on the pistol and nodded, his excitement building. The training pad vibrated slightly under his feet as the environment shifted again, this time a simple grey box. Targets appeared downrange, some stationary and others bobbing and weaving like real enemies.


    Kai glanced at Eliana, who flashed him a competitive grin as she raised her pistol.


    ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready to lose,¡± she teased.


    Kai smirked back, lifting his weapon. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that."


    The buzz sounded, and Eliana immediately took a shot, hitting the stationary target closest to her. Kai raised his weapon and pulled the trigger, but nothing happened.


    ¡°Remember to turn off your safety¡ªit¡¯s on the left side of your pistol,¡± Commander Grayson reminded.


    Kai fumbled for the safety, his thumb brushing over a small protrusion on the side of the gun. He flipped it down and aimed again. This time, the gun fired, though the shot missed its mark by inches.


    In the time Kai had wasted figuring out the safety, Eliana had already taken down two more stationary targets and even clipped a moving one. Kai glanced her way, and although he couldn¡¯t see her face fully behind the VR goggles, he could tell from her stance that she was grinning.


    Gritting his teeth, Kai refocused, took aim, and fired. The shot hit a stationary target dead center. He could feel the familiar tingling in his hands¡ªthe strange liquid inside him subtly working to steady his aim and improve his reflexes.


    He fired again, this time hitting another target with ease. Moving targets popped up faster now, weaving unpredictably across the simulated space. Kai took them on, adjusting his aim instinctively. He quickly ran through his magazine, then ejected it and reloaded in one fluid motion. Each shot became more precise, his confidence growing with every trigger pull.


    The second buzz sounded, signaling the end of the exercise. All the targets disappeared.


    ¡°Results are in,¡± Commander Grayson announced. ¡°Kai: thirteen stationary targets and five moving targets. Eliana: fifteen stationary targets and six moving targets.¡±


    Kai glanced at Eliana, who was already looking his way, her stance smug with victory. She lifted her chin playfully and grinned. ¡°Looks like I win.¡±


    Kai shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You¡¯re a good shot, no excuses here.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she teased, ¡°you¡¯ll get there¡ªeventually.¡±


    Kai chuckled and nodded. There was no denying Eliana¡¯s skill, but the practice had ignited something in him. He¡¯d make it a point to return to the training room as often as possible. With time, he¡¯d improve, and next time, he¡¯d give her a real challenge.


    "Now let¡¯s practice the ship defense scenario," Commander Grayson said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°But remember, this isn¡¯t about who can shoot the most pirates. It¡¯s about teamwork. Watch each other¡¯s backs, communicate, and don¡¯t get killed. You only have one life here, and the time starts¡­ now.¡±


    The environment shifted instantly. The grey box disappeared , replaced by the simulated interior of the bridge. The overhead lights flashed red in sync with a blaring alarm, warning of a hull breach. A deep rumble echoed through the ship¡ªpirates had blown a hole in the cargo bay.


    ¡°Breach detected. Cargo bay compromised,¡± an artificial voice announced.


    Eliana bolted forward, her weapon ready. Kai rushed after her, adrenaline surging through him.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Kai asked, gripping his pistol tightly as they ran out of the bridge


    ¡°We¡¯re heading to the midship elevator,¡± Eliana replied without missing a beat. ¡°It¡¯s the narrowest choke point. If we hold that, we can stop them from reaching the bridge.¡±


    Kai nodded, following her lead as they sprinted down the corridor. The sound of metal boots hitting the floor echoed through the halls, growing louder. The pirates were already inside.


    Eliana glanced back at Kai. ¡°Get ready, this is about to get messy!¡±


    Eliana and Kai ran to the elevator and peered over the railing. They could hear boots clanging against metal on the lower floor, but no one had reached the elevator yet. They waited, the sounds of the pirates approaching growing louder. Kai took a few deep breaths, calming himself. Finally, a helmet appeared, followed by three pirates wearing worn-out armor as they entered the elevator. Luckily, none of them looked up.


    Eliana took the first shot, neutralizing the pirate on the left. Kai followed with his own shots, quickly taking down the other two. The pirates crumpled to the ground. Eliana and Kai exchanged a quick smile, a small moment of victory.


    Then came the distinctive sound of an explosion, followed by boots clanking on metal above their heads. Another breach.


    ¡°We¡¯re surrounded,¡± Kai muttered, his ears straining as the footsteps stopped directly overhead. He realized what was about to happen just a moment too late. Without thinking, he leaped toward Eliana, tackling her to the ground as a second explosion ripped through the ceiling exactly where they¡¯d been standing. Shrapnel rained down, bouncing off Kai¡¯s uniform with surprising resilience. He could feel the sharp impact but no pain.


    He rolled off Eliana, his back hitting the floor, and saw her already firing. A pirate who had jumped down was hit mid-air, his body dropping like a ragdoll.


    The sound of the elevator rising made Kai wince. He grabbed Eliana¡¯s arm, pulling her up while firing at another pirate that was dropping down. They bolted for the bridge as bullets zipped past them, close enough to hear the deadly hum as they pierced the air.


    Kai slapped the emergency override on the bridge door, and it slid shut just as the pirates'' shots hit where they¡¯d stood.


    ¡°Five of them, I saw five of them¡± Kai said breathlessly as the pirates pushed forward, firing short bursts. ¡°They¡¯re coming.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡± Eliana asked.


    ¡°Take cover here. I¡¯ll flank them from above,¡± Kai said, motioning toward the small personal lift. Eliana gave a quick nod, understanding the plan.


    Kai took the lift up to the third level. The corridor was empty except for a gaping hole in the hull from the breach. Moving quickly but quietly, Kai approached the hole on the floor and laid down beside it. Peeking over, he saw the pirates gathered outside the bridge door. One of them was setting up an explosive charge.


    Kai¡¯s mind raced. He couldn¡¯t take them all at once¡ªtwo, maybe three before the rest would turn on him. He only hoped Eliana was ready.


    He braced himself, supporting his weight with his legs as he dangled his upper body over the edge. From above, he had a clear shot. The pirates, focused on the door, didn¡¯t notice him.


    He waited for the right moment.


    BOOM.


    The explosion went off, masking the sound of his shots as he fired in rapid succession. Two pirates dropped immediately. He squeezed off two more shots, taking down another pair. The last pirate spun around, realizing what had happened, and fired wildly. Kai ducked back just as the bullets whizzed past him.


    A single shot rang out.


    Everything went quiet.


    Kai cautiously peeked over the hole again and saw the last pirate sprawled lifeless on the floor. Further down, Eliana stood with her pistol raised, grinning as she waved at him. Kai grinned back, gave her a thumbs-up, and dropped down through the hole.


    The two of them met in the corridor, both panting and smiling.


    The overhead PA system crackled to life. ¡°Simulation is over. You can take off your goggles now,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed through the room.


    Kai removed his VR goggles and saw Eliana doing the same. They looked at each other and burst into laughter. Both had sweat on their foreheads, their hair messy from the simulated actions, but neither of them cared. The shared victory brought a sense of exhilaration neither had felt in a long time.


    Commander Grayson clapped his hands as he approached. ¡°Well done. You successfully defended the Black Swan against the pirates. Good job to you both.¡±


    Eliana patted Kai on the shoulder, her grin wide.


    ¡°Kai,¡± Commander Grayson said, ¡°good thinking using the personal lift to flank them. Always try to surprise your enemy. Outthink them, set traps, and keep them off balance.¡±


    His expression turned serious. ¡°Now, there¡¯s something important we need to address. Since this was a simulation, you didn¡¯t have to worry about oxygen. Real boarding actions often happen in the vacuum of space.¡± He pointed to a box on the wall. ¡°The Black Swan is equipped with these emergency supply boxes. They contain helmets that integrate with your suits to protect you from depressurization and provide oxygen.¡±


    Kai and Eliana exchanged guilty glances. Neither of them had even thought about that.


    Commander Grayson¡¯s stern look softened slightly. ¡°Next time, we¡¯ll train in a zero-gravity environment to simulate a gravity generator failure, and you¡¯ll learn to fight in space. For now, you¡¯re dismissed.¡±


    He gave a small smile. ¡°Again, well done. You both have potential.¡±

 13. Rescuing the Enemy

    Kai sat down with a full plate of food. Eliana was on the opposite side of the table. They had the galley all to themselves, and both wore easy smiles. Their small victory in the training simulation had deepened the bond between them.


    ¡°Thank you for saving me during the training,¡± Eliana said, her voice light. ¡°I didn¡¯t think they¡¯d come from above.¡±


    ¡°Neither did I,¡± Kai admitted. ¡°I only realized it when the stomping of boots stopped directly overhead. Holding off the elevator was still a good idea, though. We took out three of them before they even got a shot off.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Kai,¡± Eliana said, enjoying her tea. She set her cup down and grinned. ¡°Speaking of which, how about we go for another round of sparring? Now we both know a bit more about each other¡¯s skills.¡±


    ¡°Why not,¡± Kai replied with a shrug. ¡°Tonight¡ªwell, I mean ¡®night¡¯ according to the ship¡¯s simulated time. It¡¯s confusing, don¡¯t you think? Not having a real day and night out here.¡±


    ¡°Commanders can set their own time zones,¡± Eliana explained. ¡°That¡¯s why there¡¯s always someone on the bridge. Anything can happen at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Like right now,¡± a familiar voice interrupted. Ivan stood in the doorway to the galley, arms crossed and grinning. ¡°Come on, we¡¯re about to jump again.¡±


    Kai¡¯s gaze fell to his untouched plate of food, then back to Ivan with an annoyed sigh.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Ivan said with an apologetic shrug. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t eat that until after the jump. You know, considering what happened last time.¡±


    Kai groaned and pushed the plate away as Eliana stifled a laugh behind her cup.


    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it eventually,¡± she teased, standing up and brushing her hands together. ¡°One jump at a time.¡±


    Kai shot her a look but stood as well, reluctantly following Ivan and Eliana out of the galley. His stomach grumbled in protest as he braced himself for the FTL jump again.


    Everyone else was already on the bridge when Kai arrived. Teresa had set the course and completed the calculations to ensure the jump would bring them as close to the Corsair drop ship as possible. Ivan had returned to his seat, while Kai and Eliana stood just behind Commander Grayson.


    Kai had already taken the pill on his way to the bridge¡ªit was supposed to ease the post-jump effects¡ªbut he still felt nervous. His hand instinctively clenched the side of his pants. That was when he felt Eliana¡¯s fingers lightly brush the back of his hand.


    She was looking at him, her face calm and reassuring. ¡°Take my hand, Kai. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Kai nodded, his expression softening as he took her hand. He straightened his posture, willing himself to stay strong. Even if he had to fake it, he refused to show weakness to Eliana again.


    ¡°Engaging jump drive. Jumping in three... two¡­¡± Ivan¡¯s voice was steady, calm.


    ¡°Deep breath,¡± Eliana whispered.


    ¡°One¡­¡±


    Kai inhaled deeply. This time, he kept his eyes open and watched it happen.


    The stars outside the viewing port stretched into long, glowing lines as the ship jumped. A slight distortion rippled through Kai¡¯s view, and that familiar, drunk feeling crept back in. The discomfort returned, but it was nowhere near as intense as the first time. Gritting his teeth, he focused on his breathing. Inhale... exhale... inhale...


    A misty aurora began to shimmer around the ship, swirling in shades of blue, green, and violet.


    ¡°What are the lights?¡± he managed to ask, enduring the discomfort.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡± Eliana said, her gaze fixed on the ethereal glow. ¡°These are quantum.¡±


    Kai¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait¡­ aren¡¯t quantum supposed to be extremely small?¡±


    Eliana nodded. ¡°Yes, but during a quantum jump, you can see them like this. It¡¯s almost as if they¡¯re here to say hello.¡±


    Kai couldn¡¯t tear his eyes away from the colors as they danced across the viewing port. Slowly, the mist began to fade, signaling the end of the jump. He let out a breath of relief. He had done it¡ªhe had made it through without losing his composure.


    ¡°Thank you, Eliana. Really, for being so supportive,¡± Kai said, his voice light with happiness.


    ¡°You made it on your own, Kai,¡± Eliana smiled. ¡°I just said a few encouraging words.¡±


    Kai opened his mouth to respond, but his stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl that echoed in the quiet bridge.


    Eliana chuckled, a teasing glint in her eyes. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go finish your meal.¡±


    ---


    Mr. Draco sighed deeply as he gazed out at the endless ocean from the balcony of his mansion¡ªa traditional Drakmoor-style estate made from red bricks crafted from the planet¡¯s iconic red sand. The rhythmic sound of crashing waves echoed against the cliffs below.


    ¡°What are you thinking, hun?¡± a soft, familiar voice asked behind him.


    Kevin turned slightly to see Amelia standing there, a steaming cup of tea in her hands. ¡°Oh, Amelia, I was just thinking about our daughter,¡± he said, his voice heavy with worry. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about her too?¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m worried,¡± Amelia replied gently, walking up to him. ¡°But I also believe in her. Just think about all the wild things we did when we were her age.¡± Her eyes sparkled with the warmth of loving memories.


    Kevin smiled faintly, his gaze drifting back to the horizon. ¡°Like the time we ran that blockade on Valora Prime because you had to see that concert?¡±


    Amelia laughed softly. ¡°Exactly. And your father had to bail you out afterward, but because of it the concert became so memorable.¡±


    Kevin chuckled, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. After a pause, he turned to her, his brow furrowed. ¡°And that Kai fellow¡­ What do you think of him? Do you think he¡¯ll keep Eliana safe?¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t met him,¡± Amelia said thoughtfully, handing Kevin the cup of tea. ¡°But Eliana seems fond of him. She says he¡¯s got a good heart, and he¡¯s proven himself capable. Sure, he¡¯s young, but Eliana said there was something about him that¡¯s different. I think he has potential.¡± She placed a hand gently on Kevin¡¯s arm. ¡°Let them be, hun. They¡¯ll figure things out. Just like us when we were young.¡±


    Kevin exhaled a long breath and nodded slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right. You always know how to make me feel better, Amelia.¡±


    Amelia smiled warmly. ¡°That¡¯s because I love you, Kevin.¡± She leaned into him slightly. ¡°Now, drink your tea before it gets cold.¡±


    ---


    "Kai, here. Have some tea," Eliana said, setting a steaming cup down on the table beside him.


    Kai looked up, his mouth stuffed with food. He quickly chewed and swallowed, chasing it down with a sip of tea. "Thanks, Eliana."


    "It¡¯s a special mix of herbs to help with post-jump discomfort," Eliana explained as she sat beside him. "Speaking of which, how are you feeling now?"


    "A lot better than the first time," Kai said proudly, setting the cup down.


    "Good. That¡¯s exactly what I was hoping to hear," Eliana replied with a smile. "You¡¯ll feel even less discomfort next time, and eventually, it becomes tolerable. You¡¯d be surprised how adaptive we humans are."


    Kai nodded, finishing the last bite of his sandwich. ¡°Alright. I¡¯m ready to head back to the bridge.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Eliana said, standing up. ¡°Let¡¯s bring some tea for the rest of the crew as well.¡±


    The bridge door slid open, and Kai and Eliana entered with cups in both of their hands. Kai was about to announce that they¡¯d brought tea for everyone, but the mood on the bridge wasn¡¯t one for casual chit-chat.


    He could sense the tension in the room. Teresa was typing furiously at the console, Ivan pressed a headphone tightly to his ear, Robert had his VR goggles lowered over his face, and Commander Grayson stared intently at the screens in front of him.


    Kai and Eliana quietly placed the cups down and approached Commander Grayson¡¯s side.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Kai asked in a whisper.


    Commander Grayson didn¡¯t turn to acknowledge him. He simply replied, ¡°We got a match to the Corsair drop ship, and it¡¯s not far from here.¡±


    Kai glanced around the room again. ¡°What¡¯s Ivan doing?¡± he asked, puzzled.


    ¡°He¡¯s listening for the jump drive residue of their ship,¡± Commander Grayson answered. ¡°Every jump distorts space slightly, leaving behind an almost static-like signature. We track them using a device similar to old sonar systems.¡±


    ¡°I found them, sir,¡± Ivan said.


    ¡°Course has been calculated,¡± Teresa added a moment later.


    ¡°Initiate CTL jump,¡± Commander Grayson ordered. ¡°All posts combat ready.¡±


    ¡°You two,¡± he added, turning slightly toward Kai and Eliana, ¡°sit down and get strapped in. Watch and learn.¡±


    Eliana and Kai nodded, quickly taking their seats beside the command post and securing themselves.


    The ship executed a small jump that brought them to an asteroid belt.


    ¡°New contacts, 3 o¡¯clock high,¡± Teresa reported.


    Ivan adjusted the ship¡¯s orientation. A medium-sized vessel, similar in scale to the Black Swan, entered view. Kai leaned forward in his seat to get a better look, his eyes narrowing as he studied the ship. Then he noticed the screen in front of him mirrored the view Robert was seeing.


    Kai watched as Robert zoomed in for a closer inspection. The ship, despite being comparable in size, looked nothing like the Black Swan.


    The Corsair drop ship was rigid and blocky, built with a utilitarian design that prioritized function over form. Its exterior was covered in thick, reinforced platings, clearly designed to endure damage during ground assaults. A massive bay door stretched across its belly, allowing it to transport and deploy vehicles directly onto a battlefield. The four VTOL thrusters were massive, mounted awkwardly on either side of the hull, built for raw speed rather than maneuverability. Scars of previous battles covered its frame, from burn marks to patched armor plates. Clearly it''s a vessel built to deliver troops and vehicles into the thick of combat, where beauty and elegance held no use.


    Then, Kai noticed the three smaller ships. He was surprised¡ªand a little disappointed that he couldn¡¯t recognize the make or model of the ships. Then it hit him why: there were no official make or model. These were pirate ships¡ªsmall, single-seat fighters to be exact. They were cobbled together from whatever parts the builders could scavenge. The frames were mismatched, barely holding together, but each was outfitted with oversized weapons meant to deal devastating damage.


    The pirate ships hovered above the drop ship, circling like vultures as their heavy guns fired bursts of bullets at the VTOL thrusters. The drop ship, sturdy as it was, lacked firepower on its top side. Kai watched as a single, small remote turret tried to defend, but it was quickly destroyed under concentrated fire.


    These pirates knew exactly what they were doing, Kai realized. Their plan was simple: disable the engines, cripple the ship, and then board it. It was eerily similar to the simulation Commander Grayson had prepared for him and Eliana.


    ¡°Neutralize the pirates,¡± Commander Grayson said calmly, his voice cutting through the tension.


    Kai turned to look at him, stunned. Neutralize the pirates? They had finally caught up to the attackers¡ªthe murderers responsible for the attack at the mine¡ªand now they were about to help them?


    His gaze snapped back to the screens as Robert launched three missiles. Two pirate fighters were caught completely off guard, obliterated in a fiery blast. The third fighter reacted in time, pulling an evasive maneuver that shook the missiles off its tail. The ship vanished behind a nearby asteroid as the missile hit the asteroid, breaking pieces of rocks that scattered in all directions.


    Kai searched for the pirate on the screen, his eyes darting over the feed, but it was nowhere to be found. Then, out of nowhere, a barrage of shots rattled against the Black Swan¡¯s thick armor. The pirate had flanked them somehow.


    Robert instantly responded, locking onto the nimble fighter and firing bursts of his own. The pirate ship twisted and rolled, barely dodging the shots before disappearing behind another asteroid.


    Kai gritted his teeth. These pirates weren¡¯t just scavengers; they were skilled pilots, and they were fighting for their lives.


    "Teresa," Robert said, his tone sharp and focused.


    "On it," Teresa responded quickly. "Just keep it busy for a little longer."


    The pirate ship emerged again, darting out from behind the asteroid. Robert didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªhe fired another barrage of rounds, forcing the nimble craft to duck back behind cover.


    "Done. Target ship disabled," Teresa announced.


    Ivan immediately rolled the Black Swan, maneuvering it with precision. The ship surged forward, angling toward the pirate fighter''s last known position. Kai leaned closer to the screen as they cleared the asteroid. The pirate ship came into view¡ªhovering like a trapped insect. In Robert''s display, Kai could clearly see the pirate pilot through the fighter''s canopy. Though their face was obscured by a helmet, Kai could picture the look of shock and fear behind the visor.


    Robert didn¡¯t wait. As the Black Swan performed its flyby, he unleashed a relentless barrage of rounds. The pirate ship''s hull crumpled and shredded under the force of the large-caliber fire.


    The tension in the room dissipated somewhat, but Kai was still puzzled. How had Teresa disabled the pirate ship without using an EMP like the one they¡¯d used on the Corsair bomber? He glanced toward Commander Grayson, hoping for answers.


    The commander caught his look and smiled, as if he had already anticipated the question. ¡°You¡¯re wondering how we disabled that ship without a pulse, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Kai nodded.


    ¡°Teresa hacked into their ship¡¯s system and disabled it,¡± Grayson explained. ¡°Compared to Drakmoor. The space provides an excellent environment for capturing digital signals. All Teresa had to do was intercept the target ship¡¯s broadcast and infiltrate its systems. Pirates, as you can imagine, typically don¡¯t spend their money on cybersecurity.¡±


    Kai nodded again, finally understanding. Ship-to-ship combat wasn¡¯t just about shooting and hitting your target¡ªit was about strategy, precision, and using every asset at your disposal to make the fight as easy as possible.


    He smiled faintly, a new sense of pride swelling in his chest. He was aboard the Black Swan¡ªa ship with a professional crew, the kind of people he could learn a lot from.


    However, the battle was not over yet. Kai¡¯s eyes shifted back to the main screen. There was still the Corsair drop ship they needed to deal with.

 14. Unfamiliar Faces

    "Hail the Corsair," Commander Grayson ordered, his voice steady. "And engage if they open fire on us."


    Kai waited in anticipation as Teresa initiated the two-way connection. What would happen when the line connected? Would it be met with hostility, hatred, or desperate pleas for mercy?


    After a few tense seconds, the connection was accepted. A man¡¯s face appeared on the screen in front of Kai. The first thing he noticed was the scar running down the man¡¯s face, from brow to jaw. Dark hair framed the man¡¯s stern features, and his brown eyes glared coldly into the screen. Behind him, faint chatter could be heard¡ªvoices speaking in hurried, clipped tones.


    ¡°This is Commander Grayson of the Black Swan. Do you require assistance?¡± Grayson¡¯s voice was calm and diplomatic, but Kai could hardly believe what he was hearing. Why would Grayson offer help to them?


    ¡°Why did you save us?¡± the man asked, his tone sharp and suspicious.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s the rule of space to offer aid to ships under attack by pirates,¡± Grayson replied smoothly. ¡°Do you need assistance?¡±


    The man hesitated. Kai could see his eyes shift slightly, as if he were listening to others speaking off-screen. More chatter followed, rapid and coded. It was a toon Kai couldn¡¯t decipher, but the urgency was clear.


    Finally, the man relented. ¡°Yes. Our jump drive coil is damaged.¡±


    Commander Grayson nodded once, his expression unreadable. ¡°Teresa, grab a spare,¡± he ordered. Then, turning back to the screen, he addressed the scarred man again. ¡°Commander of the Corsair drop ship, we are going to dock with your ship. Tell your men to stand down, or your vessel will be destroyed. Do you understand?¡±


    The man¡¯s jaw tightened as he gave a curt nod. ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± The defiance in his eyes was unmistakable, a silent challenge.


    Grayson cut the connection and stood. ¡°Ivan and Robert, you¡¯re staying on the ship. Teresa, Eliana, and Kai¡ªyou¡¯re with me.¡±


    Kai unstrapped himself from his seat and hurried after the commander, still unable to suppress his confusion. ¡°Commander, why are we helping them? They attacked our mine.¡±


    ¡°Because they are our only lead to the True Kin,¡± Grayson replied firmly, not breaking stride. ¡°Our mission is to uncover what they represent, not to seek revenge.¡±


    Teresa chimed in as she checked her rifle. ¡°Trust me. If they turn out to be something evil, the commander will deal with them.¡±


    Kai carried the jump drive coil as they reached the airlock. The door opened slowly with a hiss, the heavy mechanisms grinding into motion. The atmosphere was tense, no one speaking a word.


    Eliana and Teresa flanked him, their rifles pointing downward but ready. Commander Grayson led the way, his pistol holstered but unmistakably within reach.


    As the opposite airlock door slid open, the man from the screen stood waiting. Two guards flanked him, each holding rifles in a similar resting position, barrels pointed away.


    Kai¡¯s gaze lingered on the man¡¯s face, trying to process what he was seeing. The man¡¯s features were unlike any Kai had encountered before¡ªhis face was angular, with high cheekbones and a sharp, narrow jawline. His eyes were almond-shaped, set slightly at an upward slant, and his nose was smaller and more defined than most people Kai had known. It wasn¡¯t unattractive, just... unfamiliar, strange even. Which planet was he from? Kai wondered. The deep scar running from the top of his forehead, down over his brow, and slicing through his cheek to his jaw made the man¡¯s appearance more striking. Kai found himself staring for a moment too long, unable to not feel alien about this man, even when he was speaking the same language as him.


    The man reached out a hand. ¡°I¡¯m Commander Yang of the Tian Fa. And you must be Commander Grayson.¡±


    Commander Grayson nodded but didn¡¯t take Yang¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I see,¡± Yang said softly, withdrawing his hand. ¡°You still hold grudges against us¡­¡± He bowed deeply, a sign of genuine humility. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for killing your people, but you need to know¡ªwe are also looking for the buried ship. We are seeking answers, just like you.¡±


    Commander Grayson remained silent, his gaze hard and unreadable. He simply nodded, an unspoken acceptance of Yang¡¯s words.


    Yang straightened, his posture composed but weary. ¡°And thank you for saving us from the pirates.¡±


    Every word Yang spoke felt sincere to Kai. There was no malice, no arrogance¡ªjust a man burdened by circumstance. Kai couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of sadness for him. Yang didn¡¯t seem like someone who wanted bloodshed; he was simply caught up in something far bigger than himself.


    "Kai, give them the coil," Commander Grayson said.


    Kai nodded and handed the coil to the strange man. Yang bowed as he took it from Kai¡¯s hands. For a moment, their eyes met, and Yang froze.


    ¡°Your eyes¡­¡± Yang murmured, staring intently. The faint glow in Kai¡¯s irises had captured his full attention. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Kai,¡± Kai answered simply.


    ¡°Kai¡­¡± Yang smiled faintly, a hint of reverence in his tone. ¡°Perhaps it is heaven¡¯s will for our paths to cross.¡±


    ¡°Is there something wrong with my name?¡± Kai asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°No, not at all. Your name holds meaning in my language¡ªalthough it¡¯s impossible for your parents to have known that.¡± Yang handed the coil to one of his crew before turning back to Grayson. ¡°Commander Grayson, I assume you seek answers about who we are. You wish to understand the True Kin. Am I correct?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Commander Grayson replied evenly. ¡°The buried ship was supposed to be a myth, yet you knew of its existence. That alone raises questions about who you truly are.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Yang¡¯s gaze lingered on Kai before he turned and retrieved something. It was a sword, the entire surface etched with intricate carvings. The sword was straight and narrow, unlike any sword Kai had seen before.


    Yang looked directly at Kai and extended the weapon toward him. ¡°Please understand that the identity of our people is a secret meant to remain hidden. The only reason I¡¯m breaking that tradition now is because of the young man before me. If I¡¯m not mistaken, he is the one our people have sought for a very long time.¡±


    Kai exchanged a bewildered glance with Eliana, who looked equally confused.


    ¡°If you seek answers,¡± Yang continued, his voice steady and serious, ¡°find Mama Mo''s at an asteroid belt in the Veyra system. Bring the sword with you and you will be granted entry. However, for reasons of secrecy, only Kai will be allowed to meet with the leader.¡±


    Yang and his crew bowed again, ready to leave.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kai called out, ¡°You said my name means something in your language. What does it mean?¡±You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Yang¡¯s smile was soft but knowing. ¡°Kai is the music a warrior plays after victory. It means triumphant.¡±


    ---


    Kai sat on his bed, the sword from Yang resting across his lap. He examined it carefully. The weapon was undoubtedly ancient¡ªits colors faded, yet the carvings remained sharp and intricate. They depicted some kind of flying breasts locked in combat amidst swirling clouds.


    Gripping the hilt, Kai marveled at its surprising lightness. Slowly, he pulled the blade from its scabbard. The steel gleamed brilliantly, its surface polished like a mirror. Kai stared at his own reflection, catching the faint glow in his eyes.


    What had Yang meant? The one they were looking for. How could he, a refugee with no past to speak of, be so significant to the True Kin?


    Kai raised his head and saw Eliana standing in the doorway. She was in her nightgown, her hair loose, ready for sleep.


    ¡°Sorry¡­ you didn¡¯t close the door, so¡­¡± Eliana said softly.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Come in,¡± Kai replied, placing the sword back in its scabbard and setting it aside.


    Eliana walked over and sat beside him on the bed, the tips of her fingers brushing against Kai¡¯s hand. ¡°So¡­ are you going?¡± she asked, her voice quiet.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kai said without hesitation. ¡°We came to find answers about who the True Kin really are. Now we¡¯re so close and there¡¯s no reason to stop.¡±


    ¡°But sometimes the truth is dangerous,¡± Eliana said, her brows furrowing in concern. ¡°And I¡¯m worried about you going alone.¡±


    Kai took her hand gently in his. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Eliana. I¡¯ll be fine, I promise. I¡¯m only going to talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Okay, but you have to be careful. These people attacked the mine without any remorse. It¡¯s hard to say what they¡¯ll do to you,¡± Eliana said, her voice trembling slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Kai reassured her, his gaze steady. ¡°I¡¯ll come back to you.¡±


    Eliana looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then Kai pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her, and she melted into his embrace.


    In truth, Kai was also afraid of what will happen when he meet with the True Kin. His fate will be on their hand the moment he leaves the protection of the Black Swan. He kept it to himself, he didn''t want Eliana to worry.


    ---


    Veyra System, the place they needed to go, was still a few jumps away. The Black Swan could manage a maximum of two jumps per day, which meant a lot of downtime waiting for the jump drive to recharge. Kai spent most of that time between the training room and the bridge.


    By now, Kai had grown accustomed to the feeling of jumping. He hadn¡¯t even taken the anti-nausea pill during the last one. Space travel¡ªand being part of a crew¡ªwas starting to feel natural to him.


    He also learned how the Black Swan operated. Most of the time, the ship was run by just one or two members of the three-person crew, plus Commander Grayson. They rotated shifts, ensuring someone was always on the bridge. The system had its benefits: it allowed the off-shift crew members to take breaks, clear their minds, and avoid burnout.


    One afternoon, Kai was in the training room, practicing his aim when Robert approached him, holding a small data pad.


    ¡°How about I teach you how to operate the Black Swan¡¯s weapon systems?¡± Robert offered, a grin on his face.


    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. ¡°Sure, I¡¯m eager to learn,¡± he replied without hesitation.


    ¡°All right, sit down here and put the goggles on,¡± Robert instructed, pointing to the simulator seat.


    Kai¡¯s eyes lit up. He had always wanted to try the device but, without proper training, he hadn¡¯t even known how to turn it on. Now, he finally had the chance.


    He sat down and did as Robert told him, lowering the goggles over his eyes. At first, all he saw was black.


    ¡°Okay, you¡¯re probably not seeing anything at the moment. I need to run a quick calibration. You should see a red dot in the center of your vision soon.¡±


    Sure enough, a red dot appeared. Kai noticed it wasn¡¯t just a flat dot¡ªit seemed to have depth, like it was floating in front of him. He stared at it until it suddenly popped like a bubble.


    ¡°Good. Now look at the other dots as they appear, and keep doing that until they vanish,¡± Robert instructed.


    Kai followed Robert¡¯s instructions. Dots began appearing one by one, and he fixed his gaze on each until they disappeared. After a few moments, the calibration was complete.


    ¡°Ready for the real magic?¡± Robert asked, a grin evident in his voice.


    Before Kai could reply, his entire vision shifted. For a moment, confusion washed over him¡ªhe didn¡¯t understand what he was seeing. Then it clicked. He wasn¡¯t looking at a screen or a flat display. Instead, he was surrounded by a fully immersive, three-dimensional view of space, projected as though he were floating outside the Black Swan.


    The stars, the asteroids, and the endless blackness stretched all around him. It felt real, like he could reach out and touch it.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Kai gasped, completely stunned. ¡°This¡­ this is incredible.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is. Now put your hands on the sticks,¡± Robert said.


    Kai reached out and found the control sticks on both sides of his chair, wrapping his fingers firmly around them.


    ¡°Good. The left stick controls your secondary weapon, and the right stick controls your primary weapon. For now, you¡¯ll be controlling the top turret with your right hand. The Black Swan has missiles too, but that¡¯s training for another time. Today, I just want you to have some fun. Let me send some targets your way.¡±


    In the distance, glowing shapes appeared, flying steadily toward him. These must be the targets, Kai thought. He aimed carefully and fired, surprised at how easy it was. With the targeting computer¡¯s help and his sharp sense of depth perception, taking down the targets felt as simple as pointing at them with his arm.


    Robert nodded approvingly as he watched Kai shoot down each target with ease. ¡°All right, you¡¯ve got some talent. Let¡¯s see if you can handle this,¡± he said with a mischievous smile.


    The underside turret unlocked for Kai, granting him control over both turrets. More glowing targets appeared, but this time they moved erratically¡ªzigzagging, weaving, and diving like real enemy ships. Kai struggled to keep up, missing several shots. Controlling two turrets at once while tracking unpredictable targets was far more challenging than before.


    ¡°Relax,¡± Robert advised. ¡°Try not to focus on just one target. Remember, you¡¯re in a three-dimensional space. Calm down and imagine the turrets are your arms. You¡¯re just reaching out to touch the targets.¡±


    Kai nodded, trying to steady himself. It was difficult to align what his brain envisioned with the actual controls. He felt his hands warming up, a familiar tingling spreading across his skin. The area around his eyes felt warm too, as if the liquid inside him was awakening.


    Inhale... Exhale... He took a few deep breaths. Kai focused on the top turret first, letting his brain instinctively track the target. Without forcing it, he shifted attention to the bottom turret, allowing his instincts to take over completely. He stopped thinking and started feeling¡ªas though the turrets were an extension of his body.


    Shots rang out in perfect coordination. Targets exploded left and right, one after another, as Kai¡¯s movements became fluid and natural.


    Robert watched with wide eyes, unable to hide his astonishment. ¡°Impressive,¡± he muttered under his breath, his mouth slightly agape.


    Soon, all the targets were destroyed, and Robert clapped, satisfied. ¡°Well done, Kai. You certainly did a lot better than I did on my first try.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Kai replied, taking off his helmet and feeling a sudden lightness.


    ¡°Well, I was just going to let you have some fun and help you relax a little. I know you¡¯ve got a lot of pressure on your shoulders,¡± Robert said, leaning back slightly. ¡°But if you¡¯re interested, I can train you more on the weapon systems. We can always use another gunner.¡± He extended his hand.


    Kai smiled and shook it firmly. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯d love to learn from you, Robert.¡±


    He realized how often he found himself smiling since coming aboard the Black Swan. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he was part of a family again. Even though he still didn¡¯t know the crew very well, he could sense their care and trust for him.


    Kai no longer felt dread about meeting the True Kin. He knew that whatever happened, the Black Swan and its crew would have his back.


    "Everyone," Ivan¡¯s voice broadcasted throughout the ship, ¡°we are going to jump again in 5... 4... 3... 2... 1.¡±


    Kai remained still and braced himself, barely blinking as the jump engaged. He no longer needed the pills, and the discomfort had become nothing more than a minor annoyance.


    ¡°Hey, look at you now,¡± Robert said with a grin, giving Kai¡¯s shoulder a light punch. ¡°Not bad, kid.¡±


    ¡°I guess I¡¯m officially part of the crew now?¡± Kai asked with a faint smile.


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Robert replied, leaning back. ¡°You were already part of the crew the moment you stepped aboard this ship. What you should say is¡ª¡±


    Robert¡¯s words were cut off by another broadcast from Ivan, this time sharp and urgent. ¡°Uh, all hands on deck, we have a situation.¡±

 15. SOS

    The situation Ivan mentioned turned out to be a distress call from another ship.


    Everyone was gathered on the bridge, Commander Grayson standing at the center of the room.


    ¡°Ivan, how long before we can reach the ship in distress?¡± Commander Grayson asked.


    ¡°Six minutes, sir,¡± Ivan replied.


    ¡°Robert, get on the guns just in case,¡± Commander Grayson ordered.


    ¡°Actually,¡± Robert spoke up, ¡°how about we let Kai control the turrets this time? He did really well during training. Of course, I¡¯ll shadow him.¡±


    Commander Grayson paused, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s fine with me.¡±


    Eliana shot Kai an envious look, which Kai returned with an apologetic shrug. He reached up, grabbed the helmet above his station, and lowered it onto his head. The three-dimensional view flickered to life, surrounding him with the immersive battlefield of space.


    ¡°Mic check¡ªcan you hear me, Kai?¡± Robert¡¯s voice came through his headset.


    ¡°Yes, Robert, I can hear you just fine,¡± Kai replied.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll stay with you in remote view to shadow you, and I¡¯ll take over if things get out of control,¡± Robert said reassuringly.


    ¡°Thank you Robert, for giving me a chance.¡± Kai tightened his grip on the controls, ready.


    Not only could he hear Robert, but he could also hear what everyone else on the bridge was saying¡ªevery report, every instruction, adding to the growing tension.


    Finally, Kai could see the ship in distress. It was a popular cargo ship model, one that could be found everywhere in human space. The vessel was smaller than the Black Swan, only about 20 meters long, primarily used to transport goods for small businesses.


    Kai zoomed in, and the view sharpened. A circular hole gaped along the ship¡¯s side, towards the rear.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing a pirate attack,¡± Kai said.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s plausible. There¡¯s something strange, though,¡± Robert replied. ¡°Pirates are after profit, so the hole should be big enough for the cargo to fit thought, yet the hole was only about human size, it''s too small for a standard cargo container this kind of ship would use.


    ¡°And far too neat to be from an explosion,¡± Kai added. The hole was almost perfectly circular, and the edges didn¡¯t bend inwards like a typical breach caused by explosives.


    ¡°Teresa, tell the ship in distress that we¡¯re coming for rescue,¡± Commander Grayson said.


    Teresa sent the message and waited.


    ¡°No reply, sir.¡±


    Commander Grayson frowned, his expression darkening. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to board that ship to find out what happened. Teresa, scan the ship for its cargo. Ivan, I want you to circle the ship and make sure this isn¡¯t a trap.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Ivan responded as the Black Swan began a slow, deliberate sweep around the distressed vessel.


    Kai¡¯s eyes remained locked on the cargo ship through his headset display. Something about it made his stomach churn, he was afraid that it was a trap set up by pirates.


    Kai looked around to see if he can find anything else out of the unusual. Surely, he found a small black circle on the edge of the three dimensional space. The shape was too small to be a ship but it was still an anomaly.


    ¡°Hey, Robert,¡± Kai said, still focused. ¡°Do you see a black dot near the edge of the three-dimensional space?¡±


    ¡°Where?¡± Robert¡¯s voice crackled through the comms, his tone alert.


    Kai adjusted the turret controls, intending to point at the anomaly, but when he moved the top turret to aim, the shape was gone.


    ¡°Strange,¡± Kai muttered to himself. He stared hard, but the anomaly had vanished, as if it were never there. Doubt crept in¡ªwas it just a glitch? The targeting system could be overwhelming for someone new, and there was still a lot he hadn¡¯t figured out yet.


    Robert¡¯s voice came through, breaking his thoughts. ¡°You sure, Kai? Maybe it was a sensor flicker.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± Kai replied, though the unease in his gut lingered. He couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was out there.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Commander Grayson said, ¡°let¡¯s check the ship out.¡±


    ---


    Kai helped Eliana with her suit. Together with Teresa, they were going to board the distressed ship. A preliminary scan had shown no life signals aboard, but that didn¡¯t mean there weren¡¯t dangers.


    ¡°You nervous?¡± Eliana asked, her voice coming through the suit comms. ¡°Because I¡¯m a little.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I am too,¡± Kai admitted. ¡°I saw something when I was in VR. It might¡¯ve been a glitch, but it looked like something was out there.¡±


    Eliana let out a nervous chuckle. ¡°You¡¯re not helping, Kai.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kai said, finishing up with the seals on her suit. ¡°You¡¯re ready to go.¡±


    ¡°You two better hurry up, or I¡¯m leaving without you,¡± Teresa¡¯s voice crackled through their helmets, impatient but lighthearted.


    Kai and Eliana quickly stepped into the airlock. The heavy door sealed shut behind them with a low thud. Kai felt his stomach tighten as the pressure dropped, the air being sucked out of the chamber. A deep, almost instinctive fear gripped him, but he forced himself to focus. Through the helmet, he heard his own controlled breaths as the vacuum of space pressed in.


    The outer airlock doors finally slid open with a soft mechanical whine, and the endless void of space revealed itself. Stars sparkled against the blackness, and the faint silhouette of the distressed cargo ship loomed ahead like a ghost in the dark.


    Kai took a deep breath, . This was his first time outside of the ship. ¡°Calm down,¡± he muttered to himself.


    ¡°You good, Kai?¡± Eliana asked, glancing at him.


    Kai forced a nod, his voice steadier than he felt. ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s do this.¡±


    Teresa¡¯s voice crackled through the suit comms. ¡°Since this is the first spacewalk for you both, there are a few things I need to explain before we proceed. First, let¡¯s talk about movement in space.¡±


    She took a few steps back, then explained as she ran forward, ¡°There¡¯s no gravity¡­¡± She leaped off the Black Swan toward the abandoned ship, her form controlled and graceful. ¡°As soon as you leave the Black Swan, you¡¯re working with momentum. You need to make sure you have the right amount of speed in the right direction.¡±A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    A couple of small thrusters on the back of her suit fired, stabilizing her movement. ¡°Your suit will help guide you, but it¡¯s not going to save you if you¡¯re completely off course. Use small adjustments.¡±


    Teresa reached the hull of the cargo ship and pressed herself softly against it, her gloved hands making contact. ¡°Okay, Eliana, you try. Control the speed of your launch. Too much, and you¡¯ll hit too hard. Too little, and you¡¯ll waste unnecessary fuel from the suit¡¯s thrusters. Worst case? You¡¯ll get stuck in the middle, out of fuel, and with nowhere to go.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Eliana said. She turned to look at Kai, he could tell she''s nervous.


    Kai nodded back at her. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Eliana took a steadying breath, took a few steps forward, and leaped. Her movement was precise, and her form nearly perfect. She glided across the space between the ships, the thrusters on her suit making small corrections. Within moments, she reached the cargo ship, where Teresa caught her by the arm and helped her land softly.


    ¡°Good job, Eliana. Smooth and clean,¡± Teresa praised. ¡°Alright, Kai, you¡¯re up.¡±


    Kai mimicked Teresa¡¯s launch, using the same form and speed. However, his added weight made him move more slowly than expected. For a brief moment, panic shot through him as he felt like he wasn¡¯t going to make it. He instinctively flailed his arms, as if trying to swim through the emptiness, which earned a burst of laughter from Teresa and Eliana.


    ¡°Relax, Kai! You¡¯re not in water!¡± Eliana teased.


    Just as he started to drift, the suit¡¯s small thrusters kicked in, adjusting his trajectory. With a sigh of relief, Kai reached the hull beside Eliana, who extended a hand to steady him.


    ¡°Yeah, Kai,¡± Teresa said with an amused tone. ¡°You¡¯re going to need a bit more speed on takeoff next time. You¡¯ve got more mass, so you need a little extra push to compensate. Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡±


    Kai chuckled, his breathing finally evening out. ¡°First time for everything, right?¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Teresa replied, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°Now, let¡¯s get moving.¡±


    Teresa pulled herself around the corner and entered the hole. Kai noticed how smooth and sharp the edges were¡ªno burn marks, no jagged or uneven surfaces. It was as if a giant knife had sliced through the ship¡¯s hull with perfect precision.


    He let Eliana go next and followed in last. Before entering, he took a quick glance at the empty space where he had seen the black sphere earlier. Nothing. Just a void of endless stars.


    Kai shook off the unease settling in his chest. You¡¯re getting too paranoid, he told himself. The notebook he found had him on edge ¡ª "A scout had found us". What did that even mean?


    He forced himself to focus. For now, the Black Swan and its crew would keep them safe. He inhaled deeply and pulled himself through the hole after the others.


    Inside, the ship was eerily still. Apart from the perfectly cut opening in its hull, there appeared to be no other visible damage. Everything remained intact. The only sound was the faint static of their comms and the occasional hiss of their suit thrusters.


    ¡°What happened here?¡± Eliana¡¯s voice broke the silence, echoing faintly inside Kai¡¯s helmet.


    Kai didn¡¯t answer, but the same question gnawed at his mind. Something about this ship felt¡­ wrong.


    "I wanted to say this was a pirate attack, but nothing was taken from the cargo bay," Teresa said, placing her hand on one of the containers. The cargo bay was packed with them, stacked tightly in the dim, empty space.


    "What¡¯s this ship transporting anyway?" Kai asked.


    "That¡¯s the strange part." Teresa shook her head as she scanned the labels. "From what I can see, these are just cheap machine parts. I can¡¯t think of a single reason why this ship would be the target of such an attack."


    "Then maybe it¡¯s the Empire," Eliana suggested. She was floating gently down the corridor toward the front of the ship. "Perhaps they targeted this ship for its data logs. Isn¡¯t that important?"


    "I doubt it," Teresa replied. "The Empire has far more advanced spy ships; they wouldn¡¯t need to attack something like this for data." She paused, then added, "Well, there¡¯s only one way to find out."


    "The data log?" Kai guessed.


    "Close," Teresa said with a faint smirk. "I was about to say the black box. It records everything¡ªnavigation, communications, and whatever happened to the ship."


    They floated down the corridor, the silence of the weightless environment pressing in on them. Kai watched Teresa¡¯s movements closely¡ªshe moved with care, gently gripping anything she could to push herself forward in the direction of the flight deck. Her fluid motions made it look effortless, almost graceful.


    In contrast, Kai was struggling to keep himself upright. He mimicked her movements, taking each action slowly and deliberately. It wasn¡¯t perfect, but after a few tries, he started to get a little better at maneuvering himself. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why the strange liquid inside him didn¡¯t come to his aid. Maybe it only works when I¡¯m in danger, he thought.


    As he floated through the corridor connecting the galley to the cargo bay, Kai took in his surroundings. The galley was surprisingly intact, almost untouched. A few cups and food pods floated lazily in the air, drifting as if frozen in time, but everything else was perfectly in place.


    Kai¡¯s eyes caught the utensils still neatly laid out on the table. It was odd¡ªno signs of a struggle, no chaos, nothing out of place except for the abandoned food. He frowned, estimating from the setup that the ship must have been run by no more than two people. The quiet eeriness of it all sent a chill through him.


    Kai followed Teresa and Eliana into the flight deck. It was a neat and clean. However every console was taken apart, wires and parts cut with perfect edge just like the hole on the hull. Kai¡¯s stomach sank as he took in the sight.


    "Damn it," Teresa cursed under her breath. "Every component that might contain data¡ªnavigation systems, the comm relays¡­ even the black box has been removed."


    "Looks like we aren''t going to find anything here," Kai said, his voice heavy with frustration.


    "Yeah, this was just a waste of time," Teresa agreed, her tone sharp. "We¡¯ll have to report this to the Federation. Let them figure it out."


    The three of them pushed off from the wrecked ship, using their suits'' thrusters to glide back toward the Black Swan. The silent void of space felt heavier now, the unanswered questions lingering like ghosts in Kai¡¯s mind.


    Once inside the Black Swan¡¯s airlock, they stood quietly as the air cycle began. The hiss of pressurization filled the chamber, a warm welcome to safety and home. Kai glanced at Eliana, who pulled her helmet off with a sigh, her brow furrowed in thought. Teresa did the same, muttering under her breath.


    Kai leaned against the wall, waiting for the cycle to finish.To Kai, finding nothing was worse than any other possible outcome. He had braced himself to see the aftermath of a conflict¡ªno matter how gruesome it might be. Yet, there were no signs of struggle. No bullet holes riddled the walls, not even a single drop of blood. This absence of evidence unsettled him deeply. It was as if the culprit had gone through deliberate lengths to make the attack as clean as possible, turning the destruction into a meticulous piece of art.


    The most plausible explanation was that the Empire had done this. Who else could pull off something so precise? Certainly not pirates. But it was still too early to draw conclusions, Kai reminded himself. This was the vast emptiness of space, a place where endless possibilities existed. He clung to that thought like a lifeline, attempting to calm the growing unease in his chest.


    Once back on the ship, Teresa reported the situation to Commander Grayson. He agreed that the best course of action was to report the incident to the Federation and let them deal with it. Their priority remained uncovering the truth about the True Kin, and their only lead now was to find Mama Mo''s in the Veyra system.


    Kai was heading back to his room when Robert called out to him.


    "Kai!" Robert¡¯s voice echoed down the corridor.


    Kai turned to see Robert waving at him. "Sorry, Robert, I¡¯m not in the mood for training right now."


    "It¡¯s not training," Robert said, his voice carrying a spark of excitement. "You¡¯re gonna want to see this."


    Curious, Kai followed Robert into the training room, where a holographic display of the Black Swan was already set up, hovering mid-air with glowing outlines.


    "What¡¯s this about?" Kai asked, stepping closer.


    "The black shape you saw," Robert said, pointing to a black sphere near the edge of the holographic field. "Look right here."


    The realization sent a shiver down Kai¡¯s spine. He wasn¡¯t imagining things¡ªthere really was something out there.


    "Could this just be a sensor glitch?" Kai asked, his voice tight, not wanting to believe it.


    "That¡¯s what I thought, too," Robert replied. He tapped a few commands into the control panel. "So I ran the data again, frame by frame. Check this out."


    Kai watched as the frames advanced, one after another. The black sphere stayed in view, unmoving at first. Then, just as the final few frames played out, the shape shifted¡ªit unfolded, opening up like a blooming flower before vanishing from the view entirely.


    Robert rewound the frames and zoomed in, pausing at the moment the sphere began to change. Kai studied the object carefully. It wasn¡¯t a glitch. It couldn¡¯t be. The way it moved was deliberate, mechanical.


    "Did you show this to the Commander?" Kai asked.


    "Yeah, I did," Robert said, his excitement dimming slightly. "But he thinks it¡¯s too much for us to deal with. He said it¡¯s better to let the Federation handle it."


    Kai left the training room with more questions than answers, his thoughts heavy. Whatever they had seen wasn¡¯t natural. It wasn¡¯t like anything Kai had ever encountered before. He walked the corridors of the Black Swan quietly, wishing they could reach Mama Mo''s faster. Wherever she was, Kai hoped the answers waiting for him there would finally put his mind at ease.

 16. A Hidden Kind

    It took another day for the Black Swan to finally arrive at the Veyra system. To ease his worries, Kai spent the entire day in the training room, pushing himself through as much physical training as possible. It was his way of dealing with the anxiety of the upcoming meeting with the True Kin. He would be on his own, and he wanted to be prepared if things went south.


    By the time Kai emerged from the training room, the view outside had shifted. The endless void had been replaced by an asteroid field. Kai guessed they were getting close to Mama Mo''s.


    He hadn¡¯t even known what Mama Mo''s was until the crew talked about it during their last FTL jump. Apparently, Ivan had been there once when he was younger. His father, a cargo pilot, used to bring him along on runs. Mama Mo''s was a well-known stop among cargo pilots, offering cheap fuel and food. According to Ivan, it was nothing special¡ªjust a hub in the middle of nowhere.


    Kai took a quick shower in his room to clean up, and when he stepped out, he found Eliana waiting by his door.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Eliana said softly, a light blush tinting her cheeks. ¡°I was just coming to tell you that we¡¯re about to arrive.¡±


    Things had been a little awkward between Kai and Eliana since the other night. Kai knew Eliana was worried about him going alone, and in his attempt to comfort her, he had pulled her into his arms. Now, he felt like he owed her an answer. What was their relationship? If he didn¡¯t address it, things would only grow more uncomfortable.


    ¡°Eliana,¡± Kai said, his voice steady.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Eliana replied, her blush deepening as she looked at him.


    ¡°About the other night¡­¡± Kai began.


    Eliana turned even redder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it too much. I know you were just trying to comfort me.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kai admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°But I still feel like I owe you an answer. I know we haven¡¯t really talked about¡­ how we feel about us.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about that now,¡± Eliana interrupted, turning her head away. ¡°You should focus on meeting with the True Kin. That¡¯s what¡¯s important right now.¡±


    Kai nodded slowly, understanding her point. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Eliana. I promise we¡¯ll talk about it when I come back.¡±


    Eliana didn¡¯t turn back to face him as she began walking toward the bridge. She said softly. ¡°Okay, Kai. Just¡­ please come back safely.¡±


    Kai entered the bridge as the ship began to slow down. He could feel the slight change in gravity as the Black Swan rotated, aligning itself with a massive asteroid. Focusing on the center of the asteroid, Kai spotted a manmade structure carved into its surface. A landing area came into view¡ªrectangular holes built into the asteroid¡¯s side. Several ships hovered nearby, waiting to be assigned their landing bays.


    Ivan hailed the station, his voice calm and practiced. ¡°Landing service, this is the Black Swan, requesting permission to land¡­¡± He paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°Alright, heading to landing bay 2.¡±


    The Black Swan adjusted its orientation, rolling gently as it approached the asteroid. Kai watched through the viewport as the ship¡¯s hull passed through the force field that kept the vacuum of space outside. The second they entered, Kai felt the gravity shift again. The Black Swan powered down its own gravity generator, and the station¡¯s gravity field took over.


    Kai marveled at the sheer scale of it. In a ship as large as the Black Swan, the gravity generator lay hidden beneath the bottom level, sandwiched between the deck and the hull. But to keep an entire asteroid under artificial gravity? The generators had to be enormous, a feat of engineering Kai could only imagine.


    The ship settled smoothly onto the landing pad. Ivan wasted no time requesting fuel and rearming for the Black Swan. While the long refueling process began, Kai grabbed the ancient sword Commander Yang had given him and headed for the elevator.


    Commander Grayson and Eliana flanked Kai as the elevator descended onto the landing pad. The bay was massive, its walls smooth and polished, revealing the natural rock of the asteroid itself. Kai glanced upward and saw the entrance slowly closing behind them.


    The three of them stepped onto the pad, boots clicking against the smooth ground. Kai¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to a group of men jogging toward them. They moved with precision, rifles in hand, their movements synchronized like a trained military unit. Kai guessed these must be the station''s guards. Unlike the True Kin Kai had encountered before, these men bore no tattoos, no marks to signify their allegiance.


    Kai tightened his grip on the sword¡¯s hilt as the men got close. The tension in the air was thick, but Commander Grayson stood tall, unshaken. Eliana stayed close to Kai, her presence comforted him as they waited for them to approach.


    The guards shifted formation as they neared, fanning out into a line before stopping. From the center of their ranks stepped a lone figure who clearly stood apart. He bore a striking resemblance to Commander Yang¡ªsame sharp facial structure, same steady confidence¡ªbut his face was unmarked, lacking Yang''s telltale scars. Kai''s attention was immediately drawn to the tattoo on the man¡¯s neck¡ªthe same True Kin emblem he¡¯d seen before.


    ¡°You must be Kai,¡± the man said, his tone firm yet polite. His hands were clasped neatly behind his back, and his sharp eyes darted from Kai to Commander Grayson and Eliana. ¡°I apologize in advance, but only Mr. Kai can come with us. The rest of your crew are free to use the station¡¯s facilities as they wish, free of charge, as a kind gesture from Mama Mo herself.¡±


    Eliana turned to Kai, her worry written plainly on her face. She reached for his hand, her grip warm. ¡°Please come back safely, Kai. Remember that you promised me you would.¡±


    Kai nodded, squeezing her hand gently. ¡°Yes, I promise..¡± He held her gaze for a moment longer. Slowly, she let her hand slip from his grasp.


    ¡°Stay safe,¡± she said softly.


    Kai glanced at Commander Grayson, silently asking for reassurance. Grayson returned the look with a nod and a small, encouraging smile. He patted Kai on the back, the gesture firm and steady, like a father sending his child into the unknown.


    Kai managed a faint smile in return, masking his own nervousness as he turned to face the guards. He stepped forward.


    The figure extended his hand, an unexpected gesture of trust. ¡°Please don¡¯t feel afraid,¡± the man said, his voice authoritative. ¡°Commander Yang informed me of your arrival. You are not in any danger. On the contrary, you are a very important guest to us. I¡¯m Li Baiyan, and I will escort you to meet Mama Mo.¡±


    Kai accepted the handshake. Baiyan¡¯s grip was firm, and Kai immediately felt the rough calluses on the man¡¯s palms¡ªa sign of hard work and hardship. Baiyan¡¯s face was young, but his eyes told a different story. Cold and sharp, they studied Kai with an intensity that made him feel like every inch of him was being analyzed. But Kai didn¡¯t look away. He met baiyan¡¯s gaze head-on, refusing to let doubt show.This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    After a moment, Baiyan¡¯s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said, his tone more reassuring this time. ¡°You¡¯ll do just fine.¡±


    With a wave of his hand, the guards shifted seamlessly into a diamond formation, surrounding Kai and Baiyan at the center. Kai glanced back, hoping to catch one last glimpse of Eliana and Commander Grayson, but the massive frames of the guards blocked his view.


    Kai followed Baiyan into a maze of twisting tunnels, their path winding deeper and deeper into the asteroid. He could tell immediately¡ªthis was not the entrance to Mama Mo¡¯s that Ivan had described. There were no crowds of cargo pilots, no bustling energy of a station hotspot. Wherever they were headed felt hidden, exclusive, and deliberately protected.


    The sound of boots echoed off the stone walls, each step reverberating through the narrow passage. Finally, the guards came to a stop, turned silently, and departed, leaving only Kai and Baiyan standing before a small, unremarkable door. It looked plain and unadorned, blending almost seamlessly with the tunnel around it¡ªinsignificant, if not for the weight of what lay behind it.


    Baiyan turned to Kai, his expression serious. ¡°We¡¯re about to enter a part of the asteroid unknown to the outside world¡ªa place where people like me have sought refuge, a place we call our heaven, hidden from the rest of the universe.¡± He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly, as though testing Kai¡¯s resolve. ¡°I ask you to take everything you see with an open mind, no matter how strange or different it may look to you.¡±


    Kai swallowed hard and nodded. Baiyan knocked three times on the door. A sharp clank sounded, and the door unlocked with a hiss, sliding open slowly. Baiyan gestured for Kai to step inside.


    Kai hesitated only a moment before walking through. The shift was immediate. The dim tunnel behind him was replaced by a blinding glow that assaulted his senses. He squinted, momentarily disoriented, as the overwhelming light enveloped him. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust, but when they did, the sight left him breathless.


    The ¡°room¡± wasn¡¯t a room at all¡ªit was a vast cavern carved into the heart of the asteroid. But this was no rough, hollowed-out space. Neon lights blazed from every direction, their colorful glow reflecting off walls smoothed to a perfect sheen. Massive columns stretched upward, vanishing into shadowy heights that Kai couldn¡¯t even see. Walkways crisscrossed through the vertical space like veins of an impossibly complex labyrinth. Holographic signs flickered and flashed, pulsing with symbols and languages that Kai didn¡¯t recognize.


    There was too much to take in at once. His senses were overwhelmed¡ªhis eyes darted from glowing advertisements to the faint hum of industrial machinery in the distance. He could hear voices, laughter, and the steady thrum of some unseen power source. The smell of food¡ªsomething savory, yet unfamiliar¡ªhung faintly in the air, mixing with the metallic tang of the asteroid itself.


    For a moment, Kai didn¡¯t know where to look or how to react. It was as if he¡¯d stepped into an entirely different world, he felt lost, and looked back at Li for guidance.


    "This is the part of Mama Mo''s that''s only known to us. It''s one of the larger True Kin hideouts. Welcome to China Town," Li said, gesturing grandly.


    What Baiyan said sounded like some sort of encrypted message to Kai. China? He¡¯d heard the word before¡ªhe remembered using bowls and cups during meals back on Velmorra that were called china. But this place clearly wasn¡¯t a reference to dinnerware. Confused, he decided to ask.


    ¡°Why name it ChinaTown? Was it originally selling utensils or something?¡± Kai asked.


    Baiyan chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°No, China is¡ªwas¡ªa country. Long before space travel, it existed on an ancient planet called Earth. Most people here can trace their bloodline back to it. We¡¯re just one part of the True Kin, a group of people who chose, no, forced to live in the old ways.¡±


    Kai frowned, still struggling to wrap his head around it. He¡¯d never heard of this ¡°Earth¡± or its country called China. The books he¡¯d read growing up¡ªhistories, myths, legends¡ªnever mentioned any of this. As he looked around at the people in ChinaTown, he couldn¡¯t help but notice how different they looked from him: dark hair, unique facial structures, and an unfamiliar language humming in the background like white noise.


    The realization sent a chill through him. This wasn¡¯t just another group of outcasts. These people carried history¡ªreal history¡ªthat no one in his world had even known existed.


    Kai shook his head, overwhelmed. He could feel it deep in his gut¡ªwhatever he was about to learn would shatter his entire understanding of the universe.


    Baiyan seemed to sense his disorientation. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he said softly. ¡°I think it¡¯s best to let Mama Mo herself explain our story to you.¡±


    Li and Kai climbed their way up ChinaTown one level at a time. Kai never stopped turning his head, soaking in as much information as he could. He tried to make sense of the language that surrounded him. A particular word caught his attention, appearing on many signs outside eateries¡ª¡°·¹µê.¡± He guessed it meant restaurant. Yet, as they passed more establishments, Kai noticed variations. Some used ¡°Ð¡¹Ý¡± or ¡°Ê³¸®,¡± while others had no such words at all. Each sign seemed unique, adding to the complexity of the language.


    It baffled him. If this was just one language spoken by the True Kin, how many others existed? And what about the ship they found buried in the mine?


    ¡°Are there True Kin who speak the English language?¡± he asked, the thought lingering in his mind.


    Li considered the question for a moment before replying, ¡°I think there are a couple of countries that spoke it, yes. But, like I said, it¡¯s best you save your questions for Mama Mo herself. She knows the most about the old world.¡±


    Kai thanked Li and returned his focus to the signs, occasionally glancing at the people around him. As they walked, he noticed the residents watching him as well¡ªnot with open curiosity, but with quiet, fleeting glances. However, it wasn¡¯t him they were staring at. It was the sword strapped to his back. Whatever it represented in their culture, it clearly held significance.


    The climb was long, but eventually, they reached the top level. Kai turned to look back at the street below. From this vantage point, the entirety of ChinaTown spread out like a living tapestry. The bustling lower levels, alive with noise and movement, now seemed distant. Here, the atmosphere was different¡ªquieter, more refined. The streets were less crowded, and the people better dressed, their movements elegant, their manners dignified.


    ¡°Come on, Mama Mo is waiting,¡± Li called, motioning for Kai to follow him through an ornate gate guarded by two men in heavy armor. Their stoic faces and imposing presence made Kai¡¯s heart pick up speed. The realization hit him¡ªhe was about to meet THE Mama Mo.


    Yesterday, her name had sounded like a simple fabrication, something to make the station seem more welcoming. Now, it carried weight, shrouded in mystery and importance. Kai adjusted the strap of the sword on his back and took a steadying breath.


    ¡°And this is as far as I can go,¡± Li said, motioning for Kai to continue forward.


    Kai nodded and stepped ahead. The tunnel darkened with each step, a shadowy stillness settling over him. His unease grew sharper, but he pushed forward, his hand instinctively brushing against the sword on his back for reassurance.


    He stopped at a heavy door made of deep red wood. A guard, silent and unmoving, stood beside it. Without a word, the guard pulled the door open. As Kai stepped closer, he noticed a small threshold at his feet¡ªan unusual design. He hesitated, then carefully raised his foot and stepped over it, the act feeling oddly ceremonial.


    The world beyond the door was a sight he hadn¡¯t expected. A pathway stretched out before him, illuminated by rows of red lanterns hanging from tall, slender posts. The lanterns concealed their light, casting a warm, golden glow that softened the darkness. Kai opened his mouth in surprise as he looked up¡ªstars twinkled overhead, impossibly clear and vibrant, as if the tunnel had opened into the night sky itself.


    A cool wind brushed against his face, carrying with it the faint scent of something he couldn¡¯t quite place. It felt so real¡ªtoo real for the confines of an asteroid¡¯s heart. Kai took a steady breath, letting the moment settle, and continued walking.


    Halfway down the path, a figure stepped into his way, emerging from the shadows. Kai almost didn¡¯t see him at first. The man wore a suit of ornate red armor, the polished plates reflecting the soft glow of the lanterns. The armor was intricate, carved with flowing patterns that seemed to ripple like flames in the shifting light, similar to the art on Kai''s sword.


    The man stood tall and still, his imposing form blocking Kai¡¯s path to a gate behind him. Kai instinctively stopped, his hand ready to reach for the sword on his back.


    He stared into the man¡¯s eyes¡ªthey revealed no emotion, no hostility, only an unreadable calm.


    The man bowed deeply, a gesture of both respect and formality, then, with one smooth motion, drew his sword from the hilt at his side.

 17. Mama Mo

    Kai reached for his own sword, gripping the hilt tightly as he pulled it free. The blade shimmered under the warm glow of the lanterns, its polished surface catching his reflection¡ªa face caught between surprise and anger.


    Damn it, Kai cursed himself. How could I have trusted so easily? This had to be a trap. They had attacked the mine, after all. And yet, something didn¡¯t add up. Why gone though all the trouble just to kill him.


    Kai held his weapon in a defensive posture, the blade raised before him. He and the man circled eachother, weapons ready, watching like predators. The red lantern light shifted their shadows, making their movements feel like a slow dance. For a moment, both stopped. Kai waited for the man to strike, but it seemed the man was waiting for him as well.


    Then, the calm on the man¡¯s face melted into impatience. Without warning, he lunged forward, his sword thrusting straight at Kai.


    Kai was ready. He had already felt the familiar warmth spreading through his hands and feet¡ªthe liquid inside him awakening. He feigned a dodge to the left, drawing the man¡¯s sword slightly off course, then spun sharply to the right. The man¡¯s blade sliced through empty air, and Kai used his momentum to swing at the man¡¯s exposed side.


    But the man¡¯s reflexes were astonishing. Despite the heavy armor, he moved with grace and speed. He twisted his wrist, flipping the sword upside down to intercept Kai¡¯s strike. The blades clashed, a sharp ring echoing through the air as steel met steel. Sparks danced briefly before Kai pulled his blade back.


    Kai pressed the attack, keeping the man on the defensive, but his lack of skill with the straight sword quickly showed. Each swing felt unfamiliar in his hands, the weight different, the balance strange. For all his speed and strength, he lacked technique. His hesitation was brief, but it was enough.


    The man recovered, twisting his body fluidly, his blade rising back into position. In an instant, the table had turned. Kai realized that this fight was far from over.


    The man attacked again, intending to overwhelm Kai. He swung his sword in rapid motions, shifting angles with each strike¡ªhigh, low, sweeping, thrusting. Kai deflected each blow, his arms straining from the force, his steps moving instinctively to create distance. He adjusted his stance, shifting his blade to parry and redirect, desperately looking for an opening.


    Kai frowned as he observed the man¡¯s strikes more closely. Each swing was controlled and deliberate, yet something felt restrained, almost¡­ simple. The man was holding back, Kai realized.


    The duel intensified, each clang of metal on metal resonating through the lantern-lit pathway. Sparks scattered with every strike, and Kai¡¯s movements grew sharper as his body adapted to the rhythm of the man¡¯s attacks. He began to see the pattern¡ªthe precision in the strikes, the way the man moved his body to transition fluidly between offense and defense. Kai adjusted his form to match it, mimicking the man¡¯s footwork and deflecting with smaller, more economical movements.


    The clash of swords sent one lantern flying onto the stone path. The flames sputtered out, plunging part of the corridor into shadow. Another wild swing¡ªthis time from the man¡ªcaught a lantern¡¯s edge, dimming more of the light. The path grew darker, the glow from the remaining lanterns now fragmented and uneven.


    Kai used the dim light to his advantage. When the man lunged with a cut, Kai fainted a thrust aimmed for the man''s


    chest, and forced the man into defense. With his momentum, he swung his blade in a wide arc toward the man¡¯s exposed side. The strike connected, glancing off the man¡¯s red armor with a shower of sparks. The sword didn¡¯t penetrate, the armor was too thick¡ªbut the force staggered the man momentarily.


    Before Kai could capitalize on the opening, the man recovered with shocking speed. With a blur of motion, he twisted and swung his blade in a precise counterattack. Kai¡¯s parry was too slow, and the man closed the gap, his blade stopping just inches from Kai¡¯s throat.


    Kai froze. The cold steel hovered at his neck, unyielding yet not biting. His chest heaved as he tried to catch his breath. He expected pain, death even, but the blade remained still.


    In the fractured light, Kai caught his reflection on the sword¡¯s polished surface. His expression was a mixture of shock and defiance. And his eyes. They glowed faintly, a soft, pulsing blue that pierced the surrounding darkness.


    The man¡¯s gaze lingered on Kai¡¯s eyes, his face unreadable. The silence stretched on, heavy and unnerving, as if the man had found exactly what he was looking for. The duel was over, but Kai had the distinct feeling this had never been about victory.


    "Gou le!" A soft feminine voice said, "enough."


    Kai looked past the man in armor and saw a small woman standing just beyond the now open gate.


    Her presence was commanding despite her size. Age was etched clearly on her face, yet her dark eyes were sharp, and her expression radiated kindness. She reminded Kai of his own grandmother, but there was something regal about her¡ªsomething more.


    The woman wore a flowing robe made from the smoothest material he had ever seen. It shimmered faintly under the dim sky light, as though woven with threads of moonlight itself. The fabric draped elegantly over her small frame, the long sleeves billowing gently with her every movement. Rich hues of deep red and gold adorned the robe, intricate patterns of unknown mythical beasts of both land and sky embroidered across the surface, radiating power, wisdom, and prosperity.


    The hem of her robe trailed the ground, trimmed with delicate golden thread that reflected the light like fireflies dancing along the edges. A sash, tied perfectly at the waist, was made of darker silk, from which hung a jade ornament that glimmered softly. It was a subtle but undeniable sign of wealth and heritage. Despite her age, she stood straight, radiating authority, every thread and stitch in her attire declaring her status.


    Kai couldn¡¯t take his eyes off her cloth. He had never seen anything so refined¡ªit was a testament to both power and her culture.


    This must be Mama Mo.


    "It''s nice to finally meet you. Now come close and let me take a closer look at you, Kai," Mama Mo said with a smile. With a snap of her fingers, the night sky shifted into daylight. Kai blinked as the surroundings transformed¡ªhe could hear birds chirping faintly in the air. The lanterns on the floor vanished alongside the rest of the scenery, replaced by a simple, yet elegant room filled with redwood furniture and traditional decorations. It exuded a serene beauty, understated but regal.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    The armored guard stepped forward and began removing his armor. To Kai''s surprise, it was none other than Baiyan under disguise. He smiled at Kai approvingly.


    "Congratulations on passing the test," Baiyan said.


    "But... I lost the duel," Kai replied, still unsettled. He remembered the cold blade resting at his throat.


    Baiyan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "The duel was not meant to test if you could defeat me," he explained. "It was to see if you are truly the one chosen by the heavens. Tian Xuan Zhi Ren, as we call it¡ªthe Heaven-Appointed One. Winning the fight was irrelevant."


    Kai''s eyes narrowed, he was not happy with the defeat.


    Baiyan¡¯s expression softened as he gave a slight nod. "You were the first to strike me. If not for the armor, I would¡¯ve had a scar to match my brother¡¯s." His smile widened, half amusement, half pride. "You carry something inside you¡ªsomething even you haven¡¯t fully understood yet. That was the real test, and you passed."


    Mama Mo stepped closer, her eyes kind but probing, as though searching for something beyond Kai¡¯s flesh and bones. "You are far more than you realize, young one," she said softly. "In time, the heavens will reveal your purpose. But for now, let us talk, for you must have questions, and I may have answers."


    Indeed, Kai had a lot of questions on his mind. He sat down across from Mama Mo on a wooden chair, his hands resting on his knees as he tried to settle his nerves.


    "Cha," Mama Mo said to Baiyan softly.


    Baiyan bowed, then quietly disappeared from the room.


    "I can still sense that you are a little nervous, Kai. Please don¡¯t be," Mama Mo said with a warm smile. "It will take some time to explain things, and I¡¯m sure we will come to an understanding by the end."


    Kai nodded, though his heart still pounded in his chest. The events leading him here¡ªdiscovering the buried ship, the mysterious words of Commander Yang, and now the duel¡ªstill swirled in his mind.


    Baiyan returned moments later, carrying a fine china teapot and cups. The style of the set was intricate and unfamiliar to Kai, adorned with delicate patterns and glossy finish. Baiyan carefully placed them on the wooden table, a small tray underneath to steady the set.


    He poured steaming liquid into the cups, the soft sound of the tea filling the silence. The fragrant aroma reached Kai¡¯s nose¡ªwarm and earthy, yet faintly sweet. It reminded him of the herbal teas he had tasted back on Velmorra.


    "Is this tea?" Kai asked, curious.


    "Yes, indeed it is," Mama Mo said, a hint of pride in her voice. "This is pu''er tea. It will help with stress and fatigue¡ªa remedy perfected by our ancestors."


    Baiyan set two filled cups in front of them, carefully placing the teapot aside before bowing once more and leaving the room, leaving Kai and Mama Mo alone.


    Kai hesitated for a moment, then picked up the cup. It was light in his hand, the porcelain warm to the touch. He took a small sip, the rich flavor spreading across his tongue, soothing and calming.


    Mama Mo watched him, her expression gentle yet unreadable. "Now, Kai," she began, her tone calm, "ask your questions. I know you must have many."


    ---


    Eliana sighed as she watched the workers restock the Black Swan, loading food and essential supplies up the rear ramp. It would take a while for them to finish, and this was the part of space travel fiction rarely talked about¡ªthe endless waiting before the next adventure. She didn¡¯t mind the waiting itself. She¡¯d been on the Black Swan before as a child and had grown used to it. What she couldn¡¯t stand, though, was waiting for Kai to return.


    It had been half a day since Kai left with Baiyan, a figure Eliana still didn¡¯t fully trust. All she wanted was for him to come back safely.


    ¡°Thinking about Kai?¡± Teresa¡¯s voice broke through her thoughts as she appeared beside her, holding two cups of tea. She handed one to Eliana with a knowing smile.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Eliana admitted, taking the cup and returning a faint smile. She hesitated, debating whether to share her feelings with Teresa, but in the end, she decided to open up. ¡°I can¡¯t get Kai off my mind. I know we haven¡¯t known each other for very long, but¡­ he¡¯s just different from all the other men I¡¯ve met.¡±


    Teresa¡¯s smile widened. ¡°I can see that, Eliana. And trust me, I think he feels the same about you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure,¡± Eliana said softly, looking down at her tea. ¡°He has so much on his mind. I don¡¯t think he has time for someone like me.¡± She paused and blushed slightly. ¡°We hugged the other night though.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s something!¡± Teresa said with a grin, nudging Eliana gently. ¡°That has to mean he cares about you, right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Eliana murmured. ¡°I just¡­ I feel like I¡¯m standing still while he¡¯s running toward something I can¡¯t see.¡±


    Teresa reached out and took Eliana¡¯s hand, her tone turning more earnest. ¡°Eliana, listen to me. If you think Kai¡¯s the right one, don¡¯t wait for him to figure it out. Men¡ªthey¡¯re like children sometimes. Always distracted, always running around with their heads full of things they think are important. You¡¯ve got to make your presence known.¡±


    Eliana blinked and looked at Teresa, surprised.


    ¡°Train with him,¡± Teresa continued. ¡°Stick by his side, drop hints if you have to. But most importantly, listen to your heart. If you care about him, don¡¯t hold back. Trust me, the universe moves fast, and there will always be someone out there willing to say what you¡¯re too afraid to. You don¡¯t want to lose him because you waited too long.¡±


    Eliana stared into her tea for a moment, Teresa¡¯s words echoing in her head. Slowly, a small smile tugged at her lips. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said softly, more to herself than to Teresa. ¡°I just need to show him how much I care.¡±


    Teresa patted her hand. ¡°Exactly. You¡¯ve got this, Eliana. You got more in you than you think.¡±


    ---


    Kai thought carefully about what he wanted to ask. Mama Mo was right¡ªthere were so many questions swirling in his mind, he didn¡¯t know where to begin. Finally, he decided to start with the elephant in the room, the event that set everything in motion.


    ¡°Why did the True Kin attack the mine?¡± Kai asked simply, his voice direct, carrying a slight edge of hostility.


    Mama Mo met his question with a kind, knowing look. Her smile was gentle as she countered with a question of her own. ¡°Kai, what do you think the True Kin is?¡±


    Kai didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°So far, I think it¡¯s an organization willing to kill innocent people just to find an answer.¡±


    Mama Mo didn¡¯t flinch at his bluntness. Instead, her smile softened, and she nodded slowly. ¡°And you would be right. But there is more to it than you realize.¡±


    Kai saw a glimmer of something in her eyes¡ªsomething deep and profound. It wasn¡¯t just an answer she was about to give; it was something that touched the very core of her soul, a truth buried in pain.


    Mama Mo took one more sip of tea, her lips trembling ever so slightly¡ªa brief moment of hesitation, as though she were preparing to release a secret far greater than herself.


    The room began to shift, the holographic scenery melting away around them. Kai¡¯s breath caught in his throat as the walls vanished, replaced by an open horizon. It was so real, it felt like stepping into the simulations he had experienced with Eliana, only on a far grander scale.


    The environment transformed into something Kai had never seen before. They were no longer in a dimly lit room but sitting on a pristine beach. The vast, shimmering blue ocean stretched endlessly before them, waves gently lapping at the shore. Behind them, a field of lush, green grass swayed softly in the breeze under an endless expanse of clear blue sky. Birds soared high above them, calling to each other as they dipped and circled in the air.


    Kai looked down. The sand beneath his feet was soft, finer than the red sands of Drakmoor, and warm against his touch. He moved his foot and watched as grains scattered, the sensation strangely grounding. The air here was dense, salty, and damp¡ªunfamiliar, yet oddly comforting.


    Across from him, Mama Mo sat as she had before, the flicker of a campfire between them, its light crackling and dancing against the idyllic backdrop. She turned her gaze toward the horizon, then back to Kai, her expression solemn.


    ¡°This,¡± Mama Mo said softly, her voice carrying a reverence Kai had never heard before, ¡°is Earth¡ªthe place where it all began.¡±

 18. Past&Future

    Kai sat across from Mama Mo, his gaze fixed on the endless stretch of ocean before him. The scene was beautiful and haunting, yet it left him at a loss for words. This was Earth¡ªthe cradle of humanity, the place where it all began. If that were true, then everything he¡¯d been told his entire life was a lie. But why would anyone rewrite history? Why erase the past and bury it so completely?


    ¡°Is what we¡¯re seeing real?¡± he finally asked.


    Beside him, Mama Mo stood silently, her expression unreadable. For a moment, she seemed as spellbound as he was, as though even now¡ªafter what must have been countless viewings¡ªthe sight of Earth still struck her with awe.


    ¡°I hope so,¡± she said softly, turning to him. Her eyes shimmered with something he couldn¡¯t quite name. ¡°This is only a recreation, pieced together from fragments of data we¡¯ve managed to gather. Truth be told, we don¡¯t know much. It¡¯s been too long since humanity left Earth. No one alive can say what it truly looked like.¡±


    Kai studied her face, searching for any hint of doubt or deception. But there was none. Mama Mo¡¯s voice held the weight of truth, her features grave and resolute.


    ¡°Who else knows about this?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Very few,¡± she said. ¡°Most true kin only suspect. They know there¡¯s something different about us. We don¡¯t look like the rest of humanity. We speak languages that are other than English. Even the food we eat sets us apart.¡± She paused, her gaze sharpening. ¡°There¡¯s truth in these differences, Kai, and that¡¯s why we brought you here.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so special about me?¡± Kai asked, his voice low.


    Mama Mo¡¯s eyes softened as she looked at him. ¡°You carry the gift. I see it in your glowing eyes.¡±


    With a wave of her hand, the shimmering view of Earth disappeared, leaving behind the stark simplicity of the room they stood in. The sudden absence of the vision left Kai feeling hollow, as though something had been torn away.


    ¡°The legend has been passed down within the True Kins for generations,¡± Mama Mo said, her tone hushed but steady. ¡°It speaks of a ship buried long ago, one that holds the key to Earth¡¯s location. Whoever discovers it receives a gift¡ªone that reshapes their body and mind. Strength beyond measure. Speed nobody can match. Perception sharper than any blade. That person will uncover the truth hidden from us all and lead humanity into a new age.¡±


    She turned fully toward him then, her gaze piercing into his eyes.


    ¡°You are that person, Kai. The gift lives in you.¡±


    ---


    Commander Yang stood tall, his posture straight and unmoving despite the weight of the moment. He had always known he would one day be the bearer of bad news, but this time, the consequences loomed far greater. Not only had he failed the mission entrusted to him by the council, but he had also shared their most guarded secret with an outsider¡ªsomeone he believed to be the Gifted One.


    Before him sat five figures, their identities obscured by intricate disguises and faces hidden behind thin veils. Their hushed voices filled the room as they debated his fate, their accents and tones a chaotic mix of tension and judgment.


    Breaking the masquerade was a crime punishable by death. There was no alternative, no mercy to be found. Yang understood this better than anyone. He only hoped that Kai truly was the Gifted One¡ªand that, with Mama Mo¡¯s help, the truth could finally be uncovered for the sake of humanity.


    ¡°Commander Yang.¡± A woman¡¯s voice broke through the murmuring. Her true face remained hidden, but her accent betrayed a heritage steeped in the Germanic language. ¡°You are fully aware of the punishment for breaking the masquerade. Not only did you fail your mission, but one of your crew was captured by Draco Mining. And worse, you revealed our secret to the crew of the Black Swan.¡± She paused, her tone sharp and unyielding. ¡°You had better have a compelling reason for your actions, Commander. Because if you don¡¯t, you know exactly what awaits you.¡±


    Yang nodded solemnly. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I believe the young man I shared the secret with¡ªone of the crew members of the Black Swan¡ªis the Gifted One. The one destined to uncover the truth of the buried ship.¡±


    The room erupted into another wave of murmuring, the council members speaking in low, clipped tones, their accents overlapping¡ªa chorus of concern, disbelief, and intrigue. Yang remained motionless, his gaze fixed on the veiled figures before him as their deliberation continued. Finally, the woman spoke again, her voice cutting through the noise.


    ¡°You understand that this is not your decision to make, Commander,¡± she said, her tone rising with barely concealed anger. ¡°The council alone decides matters of this magnitude.¡±


    ¡°It was the best course of action at the time, ma¡¯am,¡± Yang replied, his voice firm, unflinching. ¡°I believed that what I did was in the best interest of all of us.¡±


    ¡°You are out of line, Commander Yang,¡± a man said, his Chinese accent pronounced. ¡°However, what you¡¯ve done cannot be undone. You know this matter divides the factions within the True Kin. There are those among us who hope we might one day walk openly among the rest of humanity. But there are also those who wish to remain hidden forever. And now, you¡¯ve made that choice for us¡ªone that was not yours to make.¡±


    The rest of the council nodded in agreement, their veiled faces offering no comfort for Yang.


    ¡°Then we must call for a vote,¡± another voice declared¡ªa man with a sharp British accent, his words clipped and formal.


    The room descended once again into heated chatter, voices overlapping in a cacophony of debate. Yang remained silent, his jaw tight, his fists at his sides. He knew exactly what the vote would decide, and there were only two possible outcomes.


    Either they would entrust Kai with their secret and hope that he could uncover the truth of the True Kin¡¯s origins, or they would choose the far grimmer path: eliminate Kai and bury their existence deeper into shadow, ensuring they remained hidden from the outside world.


    Yang swallowed hard, forcing himself to stand tall as the council¡¯s voices swirled around him. He could only hope they would not choose the latter.


    ---


    Mama Mo took another sip of her tea, the delicate porcelain cup steady in her hand. Across from her, Kai stared into his untouched cup, his thoughts too heavy to allow for something as simple as drinking tea. Just a week ago, he was a miner, working long shifts and saving every credit he could in the hopes of one day buying a small spaceship. Now, he stood on the precipice of unraveling one of humanity¡¯s greatest mysteries.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, calm and unwavering, ¡°take the problem one step at a time.¡±Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Kai drew in a slow, deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He needed answers. Why had the True Kin hidden themselves for centuries? What had been the cost of such isolation?


    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± he began hesitantly, ¡°I hope this question doesn¡¯t come off as offensive, but why have the True Kin kept their secret for so long? Why choose to hide?¡±


    Mama Mo¡¯s expression darkened, a shadow of pain crossing her face. She lowered her cup, the faint clink against the disk punctuating the silence.


    ¡°The truth is, we¡¯ve tried,¡± she said softly. ¡°But it¡¯s not as simple as you think. Let me ask you this instead: How did you feel when you first stepped into the gates of Chinatown and met our people?¡±


    Kai winced at the memory, a faint flush of guilt warming his cheeks. ¡°I felt nervous, maybe a little betrayed. And scared,¡± he admitted with a sheepish smile. ¡°Honestly, it felt like making first contact with an alien race. It was so different from anything I¡¯d ever known.¡±


    Mama Mo nodded knowingly. ¡°And you came alone. Even with Baiyan accompanying you, fear was only natural. That fear¡ªthe fear of the unfamiliar¡ªis the same fear humanity holds for the True Kin. People fear what they cannot control, what they cannot understand.¡± She paused to take another sip of her tea, her gaze fixed on him. ¡°Now, imagine what would happen if we revealed ourselves fully to the rest of humanity.¡±


    ¡°There would be mass panic within human society,¡± Kai said without hesitation.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Mama Mo replied. ¡°And panic leads to retaliation. Retaliation fuels discrimination. To truly hate someone, you must first convince yourself they are something ¡®other¡¯¡ªaliens, demons even. That demonization inevitably leads to war. And war, Kai, is the last thing we want.¡±


    Her words hung in the air. She continued, her voice steady but tinged with sorrow. ¡°But isolation comes at a cost of its own. The True Kin are not just those hiding here in Chinatown. There are many divisions scattered across the stars, each seeking unification, hoping for the day we can stand together with the rest of humanity. But there are others that fear the possibility of a war, they fear that revealing the truth will only bring extinction for the True Kin. And for centuries the two side argued, never coming to an understanding."


    ¡°Kai,¡± she said, leaning forward slightly, her voice dropping to a near whisper, ¡°you know there¡¯s a plague coming. Something is out there, haunting humanity, it forced us away from Earth, from home. And one day it will return. If we don¡¯t stand united, whatever lurks in the darkness will destroy us all.¡±


    Kai sat in silence, her words sinking deep into his mind. She had reminded him of the greatest threat of all¡ªthe thing that dimmed the stars.


    Kai nodded. In his mind, there was only one path forward for the True Kin: they had to reunite with the rest of humanity. It wouldn¡¯t be easy, but it had to be done. If he played his cards right, the Federation might be willing to help. Yet, his greatest concern lay with the Empire. He doubted those war-hungry zealots could grasp the importance of unity in the face of a far greater threat. A chill ran through him as he considered the cost¡ªthe suffering for many that might lie ahead.


    He lifted the tea cup to his lips, taking a small sip. The warmth spread through his throat and into his chest, grounding him. The tea was simple, with only one flavor, but it was rich and pure, its essence calming his restless thoughts.


    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± he said after a moment, his voice steady, ¡°I have one last question. Did you order the attack on the mine?¡±


    Mama Mo shook her head, her expression solemn. ¡°The council made that decision,¡± she said. ¡°They decide all important matters for the True Kin.¡±


    That was all Kai needed to know. He held no grudge against these people¡ªCommander Yan was just a piece in a much larger machine.


    ¡°That¡¯s all I wanted to know. Thank you,¡± Kai said, rising to his feet. In truth his still had a lot of questions in his mind, but this was not the right time to ask. He did not want to get tangled in True Kins'' internal affairs, at least not right now.


    Mama Mo smiled gently, her expression warm but knowing. ¡°I¡¯ll have Baiyan escort you back to your ship. I trust you¡¯ll make the right decisions. Your wisdom far exceeds your years, Kai. Don¡¯t think of yourself as a child¡ªyou are destined to do great things for humanity.¡± She glanced toward the entrance, her smile fading into something more serious.


    ¡°Wait.¡± The word came from Kai¡¯s mouth before he could stop himself. ¡°I want to see Earth one more time.¡±


    Mama Mo paused, studying him, then nodded. She waved her hand, but before anything could happen, the door burst open, and Baiyan rushed in. His face was tense, his voice urgent.


    ¡°Kai, you have to leave now,¡± Baiyan said, his words clipped. ¡°The council has decided¡ªthey want you dead.¡± He turned to Mama Mo, his voice tight with worry. ¡°Mama, they¡¯ve taken Yang.¡±


    Mama Mo stood, her serene demeanor replaced by fiery resolve. Anger flickered in her eyes as she straightened her back. ¡°Fools,¡± she muttered. ¡°They always choose the wrong path for us.¡± She gestured firmly to Baiyan. ¡°Take Kai back to his ship. Don¡¯t worry about me¡ªthey won¡¯t dare touch me. But make sure the Gifted One remains unharmed. Now go, and use the hidden path.¡±


    Baiyan nodded without argument, grabbing Kai by the arm and pulling him toward a concealed doorway. As they moved, he handed Kai a pistol and two spare magazines.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate,¡± Baiyan said, his voice low and steady. ¡°If you need to pull the trigger, do it. If you don¡¯t, they will.¡±


    Kai followed Baiyan out of the simulation room, pausing for one last glance at Mama Mo. She sat calmly, sipping her tea as though oblivious to the storm brewing outside. The door behind them closed with a soft thud, and Baiyan burst through the next, leading them into a dimly lit maintenance tunnel. The air was damp, the walls peeling with age, their once-white paint streaked with grime. Kai glanced down the spiraling staircase ahead of them¡ªit was a long way down.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Baiyan said in a hushed but firm tone. ¡°If I stop, you stop. Keep a little distance between us. This path leads to the first level, and if all goes according to plan, we¡¯ll sneak out without any trouble.¡±


    Without waiting for a reply, Baiyan started down the stairs, moving quickly but cautiously. Kai followed close behind, his heart pounding as they descended flight after flight of stairs, the sound of their hurried footsteps echoing in the narrow passageway.


    When they finally reached the first level, faint noises drifted through the walls. Kai could hear commotion outside¡ªshouting, the clinking of weapons. Baiyan raised a fist, signaling him to stop. They were now only a single door away from the bustling streets of Chinatown. Both men leaned toward the small, grimy window embedded in the door, peeking through.


    Armed men with rifles stood outside, stopping passersby and demanding identification. Kai felt his stomach twist. Things weren¡¯t looking good.


    Before he could dwell on it further, an alarm blared through the town, its sharp, wailing sound cutting through the noise of the street. The riflemen looked around in confusion, their attention momentarily diverted.


    Baiyan didn¡¯t hesitate. He pushed the door open, and the two slipped outside, darting into the back of a small, dimly lit shop.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Baiyan whispered once they were inside, his voice steady but urgent. ¡°Those are elite forces. They¡¯re no joke. We can¡¯t take them head-on. We¡¯ll use the back alleys to sneak around and loop back to the maintenance tunnel entrance.¡±


    Kai nodded, taking a moment to check his pistol. The magazine was full, the safety off. He adjusted the weapon in his grip, then ran his hand over the hilt of the sword Commander Yan had given him. He hoped he wouldn¡¯t have to use either, but the weight of them was a small comfort. He gave Baiyan a sharp nod, signaling he was ready.


    They moved silently through the narrow paths between buildings, their steps careful and deliberate. Kai¡¯s eyes scanned the shadows, watching the elite soldiers patrolling the streets. Judging by their movements, they hadn¡¯t yet realized Kai had escaped the assassination attempt¡ªthey were still searching the crowds for him.


    From one alley to another, they moved quickly, only crossing open streets when absolutely sure no one was watching. By now, the streets of Chinatown were nearly deserted, the tension driving most residents indoors. Baiyan cursed under his breath as they reached another vantage point.


    ¡°They¡¯re guarding the exits,¡± Baiyan muttered, pointing toward the maintenance tunnel entrances.


    Kai¡¯s heart sank as he followed Baiyan¡¯s gesture. Elite soldiers, armed to the teeth, were stationed at every exit point. Their posture was tense, their weapons ready. This wasn¡¯t going to be easy.


    ¡°They¡¯re here!¡±


    The shout came from behind, sharp and unmistakable. Kai spun around to see an elite soldier, rifle in hand, his gaze locked onto them.


    Baiyan didn¡¯t wait. He raised his pistol and fired two quick shots in one smooth motion. Both hit their mark, striking the soldier in the shoulder and arm. The man staggered back, his gun clattering to the ground.


    ¡°Run!¡± Baiyan barked, his voice urgent.


    They had been found.

 19. Escape

    ¡°Run!¡±


    Kai didn¡¯t need to be told twice. He bolted down the narrow alley, following Baiyan as they wove through the labyrinth of paths. The sound of boots pounding against the pavement grew louder behind them¡ªmore soldiers were closing in.


    Kai vaulted over a crate of fruit as shouts erupted behind him. The sharp crack of a gunshot rang out, the bullet striking the wall to his right. Shards of concrete sprayed against his face, forcing him to duck instinctively.


    ¡°Keep moving!¡± Baiyan¡¯s voice cut through the chaos.


    Ahead of him, Baiyan veered sharply to the right, and Kai followed without hesitation, trusting his companion to lead the way. They sprinted through the narrow alley, their steps echoing in the confined space, until they burst onto an eerily empty street. The usual bustling energy of Chinatown had vanished; everyone had retreated indoors, leaving the streets deserted.


    Gunfire erupted again behind them, the shots growing closer. Kai dived for cover behind a weathered electrical box, his breath coming in sharp bursts. He glanced at Baiyan, his expression asking the question he couldn¡¯t voice: What now?


    Baiyan¡¯s grim expression was all the answer he needed. He waited for a break in the gunfire, then leaned out and fired a few rounds in return.


    ¡°We have to keep moving!¡± Baiyan yelled as more bullets struck the electrical box, sending sparks flying. The overhead streetlights flickered and died, plunging the street into a dim, tense gloom.


    Kai nodded, gripping his pistol tightly. As Baiyan gave the signal, the two bolted from their cover, darting across the street. Bullets rained, peppering the pavement dangerously close to Kai¡¯s feet. One grazed the edge of his boot, but he didn¡¯t stop, his focus locked on keeping pace with Baiyan as they ran into the alleyways again.


    There was no way they could outrun the elites at this rate. Every entrance was covered, and Kai could feel it in his gut¡ªthey were being surrounded, slowly but surely.


    As if his thoughts had materialized, two figures emerged from an alleyway to their right. Neither side had expected the confrontation, and Kai watched in what felt like slow motion as the elites¡¯ expressions shifted from urgency to surprise.


    Baiyan, a step ahead of Kai, narrowly avoided a head-on collision with the leading man. He sidestepped smoothly, raising his pistol to fire, but the elite was just as fast. The soldier slapped the gun downward, causing the shot to hit the ground at their feet.


    Baiyan pulled the trigger again, but the elite had already gripped the barrel, preventing the slide from cycling. They struggled, locked in a battle for control.


    Kai raised his own pistol to help, but the second elite was already raising his rifle. The long barrel slowed his movement in the confined space, giving Kai the opening he needed. He shifted his aim and fired. The shot hit true, and the second man crumpled to the ground, his weapon clattering uselessly beside him.


    From the corner of his eye, Kai caught movement¡ªmore elites pouring in from the street they¡¯d just left. He shifted his aim again, his pulse racing. This time, he felt the strange liquid inside him awaken, surging to life. Just like in the simulation with Robert, the world around him sharpened. The enemies were outlined faintly in his vision, their movements almost predictable.


    Without hesitation, Kai raised his gun. He didn¡¯t bother to aim, trusting his instincts instead. The first shot hit center mass, dropping the elite instantly. The second found its mark as well, forcing another soldier to duck behind cover.


    Baiyan was still locked in a brutal struggle with the first elite. Abandoning the pistol, he delivered a sharp punch to the man¡¯s neck¡ªthe only exposed area not protected by armor. The soldier grunted, staggering slightly, but he recovered quickly, his hands scrambling to bring his rifle up.


    Using the brief opening he had, Kai turned and pistol-whipped the elite soldier on the head. The blow sent the man reeling, giving Baiyan just enough time to regain the upper hand. Baiyan delivered another powerful punch, followed by a brutal kick to the soldier¡¯s knee, bending it at an unnatural angle. The man screamed, dropping both his rifle and Baiyan¡¯s pistol. Baiyan snatched the falling weapon mid-air and fired a single, decisive shot. The fight was over.


    Kai turned and fired a shot of his own, forcing their pursuers to stay behind cover. ¡°Go!¡± he barked, nudging Baiyan forward. The two were moving again, sprinting down the narrow alleyway.


    But the few precious seconds they¡¯d spent in the skirmish had sealed their fate. Now, shouts rang out from every direction, hurried footsteps echoing ominously in the confined space. The elites were closing in.


    Baiyan came to a sudden stop, and Kai followed suit. They both knew the truth¡ªthere was no point in running anymore.


    Kai reloaded his pistol, the weight of the last magazine pressing on his mind. He moved to stand back-to-back with Baiyan, each of them aiming down their respective sides of the alley. For a moment, everything was silent. Kai could hear nothing but the rapid pounding of his own heartbeat.


    Then, he saw the first faint outline of an attacker in the distance. He fired, the shot ringing out like thunder. At the same time, Baiyan unleashed a volley of shots from his side. The deafening bangs reverberated through the narrow space, drowning out everything else.


    Kai kept firing, each shot forcing the elites to slow their advance, but his ears were ringing now. The sound of the gunfire became muffled, fading into a high-pitched whine that dominated his senses.


    The situation was dire. Kai¡¯s pistol clicked¡ªhis magazine was empty. He glanced at it, knowing this was his last. No bullets left. He guessed Baiyan was in a similar position, and the thought made his stomach twist.


    If it came to it, he would have to make his final stand with the sword at his side. He rested his hand on its hilt for a moment, steeling himself for the inevitable.


    The ringing in Kai¡¯s ears grew deafening, drowning out every other sound. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly as the next elite rounded the corner, raising his weapon. Kai lifted the blade in front of him, chuckling bitterly at the absurdity of bringing a sword to a gunfight.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Then, as if by some miracle, the elite suddenly jerked backward and collapsed to the ground. Kai¡¯s eyes widened as he watched the man behind him follow suit, crumpling without a sound. He hadn¡¯t heard a single shot, but he could see the unmistakable precision in their falls.


    Looking up, Kai spotted the silhouette of a figure perched on the rooftop above. Dressed in the dark and silver uniform of the Black Swan, Teresa knelt on one knee, her rifle steady in her hands. Relief surged through him like a tidal wave. Somehow, his friends had come for him.


    He turned to share the news with Baiyan, but his breath caught in his throat. Baiyan was on the ground, a dark pool of blood spreading beneath him.


    ¡°Fuck. Teresa, help!¡± Kai shouted, his own voice sounding distant and muffled, as though it belonged to someone else. He dropped to his knees beside Baiyan, his hands immediately pressing against the wound on the man¡¯s chest. Blood poured out from the gash on Baiyan¡¯s right side, soaking through Kai¡¯s fingers and spreading across the ground. The ringing in his ears persisted, but Kai didn¡¯t care. He wasn¡¯t about to let the man who had fought so hard to protect him die.


    A firm hand gripped his shoulder, startling him. He looked up to see Commander Grayson standing over him, rifle in hand, his expression hard yet focused.


    Then Eliana appeared beside him, her face etched with both worry and relief. She said something, but Kai couldn¡¯t make it out. Her lips moved, but the sound was lost in the persistent ringing. She knelt beside Baiyan, pulling out a red and white medical kit from her satchel. Her movements were swift and careful as she began stabilizing Baiyan.


    Kai frowned, frustrated by his inability to hear or understand what was happening. He pointed to his ear, the blood from his hands streaking his face as he gestured. Eliana leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear.


    ¡°Hes hurt badly, but he¡¯ll be fine,¡± she said, her voice soft yet firm. She offered him a reassuring smile.


    Kai exhaled shakily, his own lips curving into a faint smile in return. Relief flooded through him, but before he could process it, darkness crept into his vision. The world blurred, then vanished.


    ---


    ¡°So, how did you manage to find us, Commander Grayson?¡± Baiyan asked, his voice raspy but steady as he sat up in the Black Swan¡¯s medical bay. He had just woken up, the pain in his chest dulled by medication. On the bed beside his was Kai, lying unconscious but unhurt, his body simply succumbing to exhaustion.


    Commander Grayson chuckled, arms crossed as he leaned against the doorway. ¡°Kai¡¯s uniform has a built-in tracker that monitors his location in real time. We were able to map his path as soon as he entered the station. I¡¯m sorry, but we weren¡¯t about to sit back and do nothing.¡±


    Baiyan nodded, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Makes sense. But how did you know we were in trouble?¡±


    ¡°Teresa noticed the ship first,¡± Grayson explained. ¡°It didn¡¯t bear any call signs and failed to hail the station before landing in someone else''s spot. It nearly collided with the pad¡¯s owner during descent. After that, we kept an eye on it. Sure enough, armed men disembarked shortly after.¡±


    ¡°That must¡¯ve been the ship sent by the council,¡± Baiyan said, his brows furrowing as his mind raced. ¡°They knew where to find us. Now the question is what their next move will be.¡±


    Grayson¡¯s face grew serious, his casual demeanor giving way to the measured focus of a seasoned leader. ¡°Whatever their plans are, they¡¯ll be looking for Kai. If he¡¯s as important as they seem to think, they won¡¯t stop until they take him out.¡±


    Baiyan grimaced, his hand brushing against the fresh bandages on his chest. ¡°I just didn''t think they will attack inside Mama Mo''s territory.¡±


    Eliana stood nearby, listening half heartedly to the conversation. Her mind was elsewhere¡ªon Kai, still lying unconscious on the medical bed. While he was only supposed to be out from exhaustion, he hadn¡¯t woken up yet, and that gnawed at her. She suspected it had something to do with the mysterious liquid flowing through his body.


    A sudden gasp escaped her lips, drawing the attention of both Baiyan and Commander Grayson. They turned toward her as she cried out, ¡°Kai!¡±


    She rushed to his side, throwing her arms around him as his eyes fluttered open. Still groggy and only half-awake, Kai managed a lopsided smile when he saw her.


    ¡°Hey, Eliana, calm down,¡± he said, his voice raspy but teasing. He patted her back gently, though he winced as her grip tightened. ¡°You¡¯re going to break my neck if you squeeze any harder.¡±


    Eliana pulled back slightly, her face a mix of relief and embarrassment. ¡°You scared me!¡± she scolded, though her eyes were shining with unshed tears.


    Kai chuckled softly, the sound weak but warm. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to worry you,¡± he said, giving her a reassuring look. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just needed a little nap, I guess.¡±


    Baiyan and Commander Grayson exchanged amused glances as they watched the nice moment between the two.


    Kai turned his head toward Baiyan as if a thought had struck him. Seeing him sitting upright on the medical bed, Kai¡¯s expression softened with relief. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay too, Baiyan. You saved my life.¡±


    ¡°No, it was the crew of the Black Swan that saved us,¡± Baiyan said. ¡°They brought us back to safety.¡±


    Commander Grayson nodded in agreement, his gaze steady on Kai. ¡°It¡¯s best for Baiyan to stay with us for the foreseeable future. He protected you from the True Kin and is likely to be seen as a traitor by the council now. Besides, we need someone with his knowledge of the True Kin¡¯s history to help us untangle this mystery.¡±


    Baiyan waved a dismissive hand in front of him, his voice humble. ¡°I just did what I could,¡± he said.


    Kai nodded, reassured. He was more than fine with Baiyan staying aboard the Black Swan¡ªhe would be a valuable ally moving forward.


    Commander Grayson¡¯s tone grew more serious. ¡°There¡¯s one more thing. We¡¯ve confirmed that the Empire is assembling a massive fleet near the jump point¡ªone much larger than we initially estimated. War is coming, and it¡¯s going to unfold in the surrounding space of Drakmoor.¡±


    Kai frowned, his thoughts turning to the divisions within the True Kin that Mama Mo had described. Already outcasts from the rest of humanity, they were fractured even within their own ranks.


    He still struggled with the idea that humanity¡¯s survival rested on his shoulders. But his visit to Chinatown had revealed one undeniable truth: there was a looming threat out there, a danger that couldn¡¯t be ignored. And now, on top of that, war between the Federation and the Empire seemed inevitable.


    Eliana¡¯s hand slipped into his, grounding him amidst the weight of his thoughts. Her kindness had always been a constant in his recent life, a light that soothed the chaos around him. Kai glanced at her, feeling the warmth of her presence, and remembered the unspoken connection they shared.


    He owed her an answer. There was something undeniable between them, a chemistry neither had acknowledged outright. Every time they met, Kai felt as though an invisible string connected his heart to hers. Her every move, every word, tugged at that string, making him want to say what he held back for so long. But doubts always crept in¡ªwas it too soon? What if she didn¡¯t feel the same?


    Yet, after everything they¡¯d been through, after nearly losing everything, Kai knew he couldn¡¯t wait any longer. It was time to take the leap.


    ¡°Eliana,¡± he began, his voice steady but filled with emotion, ¡°I like you¡­ I¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish, Eliana leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. The kiss was soft, warm, and everything Kai had hoped for. If he hadn¡¯t said it, she was going to¡ªand this moment was all the confirmation either of them needed.


    When they finally pulled apart, Eliana¡¯s cheeks were flushed, and her smile was radiant. ¡°I like you too, Kai,¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I know it¡¯s early to say something like this, but I couldn¡¯t stop myself. I didn¡¯t want to waste another chance.¡±


    If Kai had felt drowsy earlier, he was fully awake now. Every single cell of him was fully activated, treasuring this moment. It was the best thing in his life had just happened. For the first time in what felt like forever, he didn¡¯t feel alone. The pressure weighing on him seemed lighter, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to bask in the joy of her presence.


    So what if the road ahead was going to be rough? At least Eliana would be on it with him. And because of that, Kai was ready.

 20. When Two Hearts Meet

    Kai swung the car hard to the right, narrowly missing oncoming traffic as Eliana swayed with the violent motion, her grip on the pistol firm.


    Behind them, two drones closed in, their under-belly machine guns spitting relentless streams of bullets. The road echoed with the sound of gunfire, metal ricochets, and the roar of the engine.


    Kai gritted his teeth, focusing entirely on the road ahead. He had no choice but to trust Eliana to handle the drones. On one side of the road was a sheer mountainside, offering no possibility of escape. On the other, a deadly drop into the raging sea below. The only path forward was a narrow, winding two-lane road that hugged the mountain.


    The drones fired again, forcing Kai to jerk the car back into the opposite lane. He downshifted, stepping hard on the gas pedal and threading through the traffic at breakneck speed. The tires screeched in protest, barely clinging to the asphalt as the car weaved dangerously.


    Eliana steadied herself, planting her feet against the floor for balance. She took a deep breath, exhaled half of it to steady her aim, and fired two quick shots. The first bullet missed the nearest drone by inches, but the second struck its propeller. The drone spun wildly, sparks flying, before it tumbled out of the sky and exploded in a fiery crash on the road behind them.


    The remaining drone, as if enraged by its fallen companion, surged forward, speeding ahead of their car. Kai¡¯s eyes widened in horror as it positioned itself directly in front of them. The road ahead curved sharply to the left, and to make matters worse, a massive truck barreled toward them in the opposite lane, blocking the ideal driving lane of the turn.


    Kai swung the steering wheel hard, trying to maneuver the turn, but the tires had lost too much traction. The car skidded violently, the sharp curve and slick asphalt conspiring against them.


    There was nowhere to go. No time to think. The crash seemed inevitable.


    Kai knew there was no saving the car. The liquid coursing through his body was burning like fire. It had kept them alive this long, but even it couldn¡¯t prevent the inevitable.


    Acting on instinct, Kai leaned over and grabbed Eliana. Her upper body was halfway out of the open-top vehicle as she steadied her aim, but he managed to pull her back inside by the waist. The car lurched violently as it went over the edge, kicking up dirt and grass in its wake.


    Kai felt the weightlessness of freefall as the car left solid ground, plunging toward the roaring waves below. His legs went numb, and time seemed to slow.


    For a fleeting moment, he locked eyes with Eliana. Her gaze was steady, her expression calm despite the chaos around them. Kai¡¯s face betrayed his guilt, an apologetic look etched deeply into his features. But Eliana didn¡¯t blame him. Instead, she smiled¡ªa soft, reassuring smile that told him everything would be okay, no matter what.


    And then Kai shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±


    The car froze mid-air, hovering above the crashing waves. The scenery around them flickered and faded, dissolving into the familiar gray walls of the Black Swan¡¯s training room.


    Eliana exhaled deeply, taking off her VR headset as Kai removed his own. They stood in silence for a moment, catching their breath.


    Eliana turned to him, her cheeks flushed from the intensity of the simulation. She smiled and leaned in, and they shared a brief, tender kiss. Kai couldn¡¯t help but admire her¡ªshe looked stunning no matter what she was doing, and moments like these made him realize how much he cherished her presence.


    Kai handed her a bottle of water, taking a long gulp from his own. A thin line of water ran down his chin and over his Adam¡¯s apple. Eliana blushed slightly as she watched him, opening her bottle for a few sips of her own.


    ¡°Wanna try again?¡± Eliana asked, her voice playful but determined.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kai replied, grinning.


    Since Kai¡¯s return to the ship, he and Eliana had been running VR simulations daily. Kai didn¡¯t want to risk fainting again from overexertion. The liquid inside him, while a gift, drained his energy quickly, and he needed to learn its limits. If he couldn¡¯t improve his endurance, he would have to find ways to use it sparingly.


    Through their sessions, he discovered that the liquid only activated during intense situations, as if it sensed danger. But whenever it did, the aftermath was the same¡ªhe¡¯d feel utterly drained and ravenously hungry. Over the last few days, however, he¡¯d noticed progress. His endurance was gradually improving, and the exhaustion came on more slowly than before.


    Eliana had been by his side through every session, not just because she loved him and wanted to spend time together, but also to ensure his safety. When Kai pushed himself too far, he often passed out. These periods of unconsciousness only lasted a few seconds or minutes, but it was always comforting for Kai to wake up to Eliana¡¯s warm, smiling face.


    Kai adjusted his VR headset and the simulation loaded in almost instantly. The environment shifted around him, bringing him into the middle of a bustling hallway. Eliana stood on the opposite side, dressed in a crisp white shirt and a fitted black suit dress¡ªa perfect disguise for a bank teller. She looked stunning, her hair tied neatly back, her eyes sparkling with excitement.


    Kai glanced down at his own attire¡ªa matching black suit, though his ensemble included a large bag slung over his shoulder, filled to the brim with cash. The building was already on high alert, the sound of blaring alarms echoing through the hall.


    The simulation they were running was called Bank Heist, a fun yet challenging scenario designed by the system. The goal wasn¡¯t just to escape the bank, but also to evade a high-stakes car chase with the local security forces.


    Originally, the default setting for this scenario was a grim, industrial planet that Kai found too dull and suffocating. This time, he¡¯d customized it. Inspired by the Earth he¡¯d seen in Mama Mo¡¯s simulation, he crafted a vibrant landscape: clear blue skies and an equally blue ocean, lush grasslands, and winding mountain roads that curved naturally with the terrain. He¡¯d even added old-style manual cars from the asset library¡ªvehicles humans once used. The result was both challenging and beautiful, a perfect backdrop for the time he spent with Eliana.


    The two had been playing this all day, this was their fifth attempt. So far, they¡¯d only made it to the car chase before failing, but Kai was determined this time. He glanced at Eliana, who smiled at him with a playful glint in her eye. She was his love¡ªand, for now, his ¡°partner in crime.¡±


    Kai nodded, and Eliana nodded back, her expression serious but full of excitement.


    Pushing the door open, the alarms blared louder, filling the air with shrill urgency. Red lights flashed overhead as the building went into lockdown, metal shutters sliding down over windows and exits.


    Kai¡¯s body tensed, the familiar warmth of the liquid within him activating. His senses sharpened, and time seemed to slow. He made a quick gesture, signaling Eliana to move forward.


    The two advanced with swift steps, their pistols raised. Adrenaline pumped through Kai¡¯s veins, matching the steady rhythm of his heart.


    The system controlled the enemy AI with remarkable intelligence, replicating the skill levels of the True Kin elites Kai had faced in Chinatown. These weren¡¯t the average mercenaries; they were just shy of being professional soldiers. The simulated AI gave each enemy a distinct personality and thought process, resulting in unpredictable and dynamic encounters every time they ran the scenario.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    At the far end of the hallway, the door burst open, and two armed guards stormed in, rifles in hands. They were faster this time¡ªalready actively pushing Kai and Eliana instead of waiting for them.


    Kai and Eliana reacted instantly. Each fired a single, precise shot, and both guards crumpled to the floor before they could even raise their weapons.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting faster,¡± Kai muttered, glancing at Eliana as he passed the fallen guards.


    He raised his pistol, aiming toward an upward staircase at the end of the hallway. Meanwhile, Eliana knelt beside one of the guards, quickly searching his pockets and gear. She repeated the process with the second guard, then shook her head at Kai.


    ¡°They¡¯re not carrying key cards,¡± she said, her tone frustrated.


    ¡°They had them last time,¡± Kai said, his brows furrowing.


    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Eliana replied, standing and brushing her hands off.


    The system had changed the parameters again, forcing them to adapt. Kai tightened his grip on his pistol, his body on high alert. Every time they thought they had the simulation figured out, it threw another curveball.


    ¡°Stay close,¡± Kai said, his voice steady. Eliana nodded, falling into step beside him as they moved toward the staircase.


    They ascended the stairs cautiously, one set at a time. The bank vault was buried several levels below ground for security reasons, and if this attempt was anything like the last, there would be guards along the way.


    Kai paused, tilting his head slightly. He could hear the sound of boots above him¡ªone set, two, three. Three guards were heading their way, moving quickly. He raised his hand, placing a finger over his lips to signal Eliana to stay silent. Slowly, he readied his pistol, aiming it upward at an angle. Eliana mirrored his movements, her expression tense but focused.


    The first guard appeared at the top of the stairs, his face shifting from surprise to horror the moment he spotted Kai. He moved to raise his rifle, but Kai already had his shot lined up.


    Bang.


    The shot echoed sharply in the confined space, and the guard staggered backward. Eliana didn¡¯t wait to see if the first guard was fully down. She pushed past Kai, rushing up the stairs to find a better angle. Before the first guard hit the ground, she fired twice in rapid succession.


    Bang. Bang.


    The second guard dropped, his weapon clattering down the steps.


    Two down. One more to go.


    Eliana instinctively moved to pursue the remaining guard, but Kai grabbed her arm and pulled her back just in time. Bullets riddled the wall where she¡¯d been standing only moments ago.


    ¡°They¡¯re getting better,¡± Kai muttered. ¡°What worked last time won¡¯t work again.¡±


    Eliana nodded, gripping her pistol tightly, as Kai took a deep breath and steadied himself. The guards weren¡¯t the only ones learning and adapting. Over the last few attempts, Kai had discovered something¡ªsomething that might give them an edge.


    He closed his eyes briefly, letting his focus deepen. When he opened them again, the world around him seemed to dim, and the silhouette of the remaining guard glowed faintly behind the wall.


    The guard was there, rifle raised, aiming precisely at the spot where Eliana had last been.


    Kai smirked. Without exposing his body, he extended his pistol around the corner, angling it toward the faint outline. The guard noticed the movement and began adjusting his aim, but Kai was faster.


    Bang.


    The shot struck the guard¡¯s hand, forcing him to drop his rifle. Kai stepped out fully, his pistol trained, and fired again.


    Bang.


    The guard crumpled to the ground, motionless.


    Eliana stared at him in awe, lowering her weapon slightly. ¡°How did you know where to shoot? You didn¡¯t even see him.¡±


    Kai smiled, moving past her to check the fallen guard. ¡°You know the vision I told you about? The one that outlines enemies for me? I think it works through cover now¡ªif I focus.¡±


    He crouched down, searching the guard¡¯s body, and finally there was the keycard. He smiled as he waved the keycard at Eliana.


    ---


    Emily Carter sat in her office, her slender frame poised yet relaxed in the leather chair. Her auburn hair fell in soft waves past her shoulders, catching the light from the nearby window. Her striking green eyes were sharp yet kind, framed by long lashes that gave her an air of both elegance and determination. A soft dusting of freckles adorned her fair skin,her young age contrasted with the weight of the responsibilities she bore.


    As the youngest member of the true kin council representing the last remnants of humanity from Earth. Emily carried the heavy burden of her ideals. In her homeland, democracy and freedom were sacred, principles to be upheld at all costs. So it stung deeply when the majority of the council voted against her, choosing to keep the True Kin¡¯s existence hidden from the universe once again.


    She sighed, her delicate fingers reaching for the picture frame on her desk. It was an old photo, its once-vivid colors faded over centuries. It depicted her ancestors back on Earth, standing proudly on their farm. She could imagine the crops stretched endlessly, golden under the sun, and in the background stood a red barn, vibrant against a picture-perfect blue sky.


    Emily¡¯s gaze lingered on the faces of her forebears, their smiles wide, their spirits unburdened. Her heart ached for what her people had become¡ªscattered among the stars, hiding on remote planets, isolated and forgotten.


    One day, she vowed silently, they would no longer live like this. One day, she would help them reclaim the life they deserved.


    Her eyes shifted to the flag on the wall of her office. Fifty stars, fifty states¡ªunited once to form one of Earth¡¯s most powerful nations. It was a symbol of unity and strength, a reminder of what her people had once achieved.


    Her voice was soft but resolute as she whispered, ¡°One day, we will be free again.¡±


    ---


    Kai¡¯s grip tightened on the wheel as the curve loomed ahead¡ªthe same one that had sent them off the cliff last time. He could hear the steady rhythm of Eliana¡¯s gunfire beside him as she targeted the pursuing drones. This time, he was determined to get it right.


    Downshifting, he eased off the gas slightly and yanked the handbrake. The car lost grip, its tires squealing as it slid across the pavement. Eliana, startled by the sudden maneuver, quickly sat back in her seat, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    ¡°Kai, what are you¡ª¡±


    He grinned, a playful, almost childlike amusement lighting up his face. For a brief moment, he let go of the wheel, his foot firmly planted on the gas. The rear tires spun wildly, leaving dark streaks of rubber on the road. Then, with practiced ease, he grabbed the wheel again in the opposite direction of the curve.


    The car entered the corner in a flawless drift, its rear bumper skimming the railing they had broken through on their last attempt. The movement was smooth, almost graceful, as the car arced perfectly through the turn. Kai let off the gas just enough to allow the car to stabilize before turning the wheel back to straighten their trajectory.


    The drone overshot them, now directly in Eliana¡¯s line of fire. She didn¡¯t hesitate. Raising her pistol, she fired a clean shot. The drone erupted into a brilliant explosion, debris scattering in the sky above them.


    Kai and Eliana exchanged exhilarated glances, their hearts pounding from the rush of adrenaline. They¡¯d done it. They had conquered the most difficult part of the simulation, shaken off the security forces, and were now free to go wherever they wanted.


    Kai pulled the car off the road, parking it in the shadow of a bridge. The sound of rhythmic waves crashing against the shore filled the air, a soothing contrast to the intensity of the chase. The two sat in silence for a moment, catching their breath, their excitement gradually giving way to something quieter, deeper.


    Their eyes locked, the weight of the moment settling between them. Neither seemed in a hurry to leave the simulation just yet.


    Kai leaned in first, his movements tentative, as if testing the waters. Eliana smiled softly, closing the distance. Their lips met, and the world around them seemed to fade away. The kiss was warm and tender, filled with the unspoken connection they¡¯d been building for so long. Eliana¡¯s hand rested gently on Kai¡¯s cheek, and he tilted his head, deepening the kiss slightly. Time felt irrelevant, the simulation¡¯s details melting into the background as they shared the moment.


    ¡°Eliana¡­¡± Kai murmured as they pulled apart briefly, only for Eliana to lean in again, her fingers brushing through his hair.


    Their kiss was interrupted by the sudden crackle of a voice. ¡°All crew members, please report to the bridge,¡± Commander Grayson¡¯s voice echoed through the simulation.


    Kai reluctantly pulled away, his face flushed as he met Eliana¡¯s gaze. Neither of them seemed ready to let go.


    ¡°This is nice, Eliana,¡± Kai said softly, his voice a little breathless, his cheeks still tinged with pink.


    Eliana smiled, her own face glowing. ¡°Yeah, it is.¡±


    They shared one last lingering glance before getting out of the simulation, their hearts still racing¡ªnot from the simulation, but from each other.

 21. Queen of Space

    Kai and Eliana heard the announcement and quickly took of their VR headsets, exchanging playful glances before hurrying to change into their uniforms. The Black Swan must have been nearing Drakmoor by now¡ªfinally, home.


    As Kai slipped into his uniform, he reflected on their mission. It had been his first real experience in space, and what an adventure it had been. The Black Swan had not only accomplished its primary goal of uncovering the truth about the True Kin but had also faced ship-to-ship combat, discovered an abandoned vessel, and navigated dangers Kai could never have imagined when he was just a miner.


    Yet, despite their success, Kai felt a restless energy building within him. He craved more. He had a feeling they wouldn¡¯t remain in Drakmoor for long. There was still so much to do. A war between the Empire and Federation was looming. The True Kin sought reunification with humanity. And above all, there was the ever-looming threat of the thing that dimmed the stars.


    Stepping out of the training room, Kai¡¯s gaze landed on Eliana. She had just finished changing out of her gym outfit and back into the Black Swan¡¯s uniform. Her cheeks still carried a soft flush from the training session, and her eyes sparkled with warmth as she looked at him. Kai couldn¡¯t help but think she looked adorable, and judging by the way she smiled at him, he figured he must look at her the same way.


    Together, they made their way to the ship¡¯s bridge. Most of the crew was already present, except for Baiyan, who was still resting in the medical bay. His recovery was progressing well, but Commander Grayson had insisted on keeping him under observation until he was fully cleared.


    ¡°Come, take your seats at your posts,¡± Commander Grayson called out, his tone unusually light, his smile hinting at some good news.


    Kai and Eliana exchanged curious glances before heading to their stations.


    Kai settled into his seat, his eyes immediately drawn to the radar interface in front of him. The screen was unusually busy, teeming with contacts. Numerous ships were flying around Drakmoor¡ªfar more than usual.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kai asked, his fingers brushing across the controls as he pulled up more details on the radar.


    Grayson stepped closer, his expression calm but serious. ¡°The Federation¡¯s forces are gathering. Looks like they have kept their promises and are preparing for the attack.¡±


    Kai¡¯s stomach tightened as he scanned the data. Ships of all sizes¡ªfreighters, warships, and smaller vessels¡ªmoved like pieces on a game board. Kai could sense the tension in the air, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning.


    Then, a line of text appeared on Kai¡¯s interface: a two-way connection request from none other than the flagship of the Federation Space Force, the Federation Star Ship Eclipse.


    The FSS Eclipse cuts through the void of space like a blade forged for war. Its sleek, sword-like silhouette is both elegant and intimidating. The hull, painted a striking, reflective white, seems to shimmer with an otherworldly glow against the darkness of space. Gentle curves along its frame soften the sharpness of its overall design, giving it an almost organic feel despite its metallic construction. But the beauty of the ship is matched by its raw power. Dominating the prow is a massive rail cannon, its barrel extending like the edge of a poised sword, ready to strike with unrelenting force. Arrayed along its flanks are state-of-the-art weapon systems, seamlessly embedded into the hull, waiting to unleash a storm of firepower. The Eclipse isn¡¯t just a ship¡ªit¡¯s a statement, a symbol of the Federation¡¯s ambition, strength, and precision, commanding both admiration wherever it goes.


    Kai¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He knew that ship well¡ªit was the crown jewel of the Federation fleet, often heralded as the Empire¡¯s worst enemy. The media couldn¡¯t get enough of it, plastering its image across every channel, every article. Yet for all its glory, Kai held conflicted feelings about the Eclipse. It wasn¡¯t one of the ships that had come to Velmorra¡¯s aid during the Empire¡¯s attack on his home world. Perhaps if it had, Velmorra might still be standing, and his family might still be alive. But he also knew it wasn¡¯t fair to hold the Eclipse accountable for that tragedy. If blame was to be placed, it lay squarely with the Empire.


    Kai¡¯s breath quickened as Commander Grayson accepted the call. The screen displayed the word "connecting" for a moment, then flickered to life.


    The face that appeared on the screen was one Kai was familiar with. She was as much a symbol of the Federation as the Eclipse itself¡ªthe woman known across Federation-controlled space as the "Queen of Space," the commander of the Federation¡¯s flagship.


    She was in her mid-forties, though the years hadn¡¯t dulled her appearance. Her features were sharp and striking, with a natural beauty hardened by experience. Confidence radiated from her, as did a commanding decisiveness that was written into every line of her face. Her dark brown hair was tied back in a sleek bun, highlighting her high cheekbones and piercing blue eyes that seemed to miss nothing. She wore the pristine uniform of the Federation Space Force, adorned with medals and insignias that spoke of her many accomplishments.


    The woman broke into a grin as soon as she saw Commander Grayson, her tone warm yet teasing.


    ¡°Grayson, you bastard! Where have you been all these years?¡± she said, her voice carrying a mix of genuine happiness and sharp wit.


    Grayson chuckled, leaning casually against the console. ¡°Just doing what I love and stay far away from the space force, Admiral Steele.¡±


    "I''m afraid you won''t be able to stay away this time," Admiral Steele said, her expression shifting from casual warmth to a stern, commanding seriousness. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Commander Grayson. "You know what''s at stake here. The entire Federation Space Force has been on high alert since the attack on Velmorra. We¡¯re not going to let the same thing happen to Drakmoor."


    Commander Grayson nodded, his demeanor matching her gravity. "Good. Mr. Draco has been doing everything in his power to safeguard the planet. He''s made his choice."


    Admiral Steele''s brows lifted slightly, though her expression remained measured.


    "You know what that represents," Grayson continued. "Drakmoor is officially declaring itself a part of the Federation."


    A moment of silence passed between them. The ramifications were clear. By aligning with the Federation, Drakmoor was not only drawing the Federation¡¯s protection but also painting a target on itself in the eyes of the Empire.


    Steele leaned back slightly, her hands clasped behind her back. ¡°We appreciate your trust in the Federation. That¡¯s no small declaration.¡±


    Grayson nodded again. ¡°It is not. But Draco and the local government understand what¡¯s coming. Drakmoor would rather take a stand now than wait for the Empire to tighten its grip. We¡¯re ready to fight.¡±


    Steele¡¯s expression softened, just a fraction. ¡°Then we¡¯ll make sure you have all the support you need. The Eclipse will remain in orbit as a deterrent. The Empire won¡¯t have it easy while we¡¯re here.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Kai, still silent, listened intently. The mention of Velmorra and the possibility of Drakmoor becoming a battlefield stirred emotions within him. He clenched his fists slightly, his mind racing as Steele and Grayson exchanged grim nods.


    "It was nice seeing you Grayson. And the crew of the Black Swan, please rest assured that the Federation is here to protect Drakmoor from the wraith of the Empire. " Admiral Steele said, and with a simple wave of her hand, the call ended.


    As soon as the connection dropped, the mood on the bridge shifted. Teresa was the first to turn around, a mischievous smile on her face. ¡°So, what¡¯s the story between you and the Admiral? You two clearly have some kind of history.¡±


    Robert chuckled, leaning back in his seat. ¡°Didn¡¯t you catch how she looked at our commander? She¡¯s clearly into him.¡±


    Commander Grayson, for once, seemed at a loss for words. Scratching the back of his head, he let out a reluctant sigh. ¡°Well, I guess I have no choice but to tell you all.¡±


    Eliana exchanged a quick glance with Kai, the two of them smiling at the rare and welcome shift of attention away from themselves.


    ¡°Yes, Commander Grayson, tell us!¡± Eliana pleaded in her most innocent voice. Kai couldn¡¯t help but smile at her tone.


    Grayson shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Well,¡± he began, ¡°as some of you already know, I was in the Federation Space Force...¡±


    The bridge fell silent, everyone listening expectantly. The only sound remaining was the soft creak of the Black Swan¡¯s hull as it entered Drakmoor¡¯s atmosphere.


    ---


    18 Years Ago


    The red glow of the rotating overhead light cast an eerie hue throughout the cramped hull of the ship, amplifying the tension. The only sounds were the faint creak of his combat suit rubbing against the seat and the steady rhythm of his own breathing.


    The man was young, tall, and broad-shouldered, his full suit of combat armor making him appear even bulkier. The suit was anything but comfortable¡ªhis beard constantly brushed against the mouth guard of his helmet, an irritation he couldn¡¯t ignore. He wanted to take it off, but doing so would mean death and the failure of what was perhaps the most critical mission in Federation history.


    He glanced across the narrow space at the ship¡¯s only other passenger¡ªa young woman he¡¯d met for the first time today. Her eyes were closed, her body still, as though she were asleep.


    Her frame was petite, but the man knew better than to judge by appearances. In space combat, size didn¡¯t matter¡ªskill did.


    Katherine Steele, he thought, recalling her name. She was a few years younger than him but already outranked him. A rising star in the Federation Space Force and the face of the recruitment campaigns.


    She certainly had the looks for it, he mused. But now she would need to prove that she had the skills to match.


    Their mission was unprecedented. Fifteen scientists and experts in astrophysics, ship engineering, and quantum navigation had defected from the Empire, seeking asylum with the Federation. If they succeeded in extracting them, these individuals could become invaluable assets¡ªhelping the Federation advance its starship technology and secure a stronger foothold in space.


    It would be a direct threat to the Empire¡¯s dominance, a blade poised at their throat, and the only leverage the Federation might have to force a peace talk that could end the long war.


    The only problem was that the scientists were trapped aboard an Imperial starship, being transported from one development site to another. Grayson and Katherine were their only hope of escape, the sole operatives tasked with breaking them out of their high-tech ¡°prison.¡±


    Fortunately, the scientists were not ordinary captives. Experts in their fields, they knew the ship they were trapped in better than their captors did. Through clever sabotage and well-timed distractions, they had managed to disable the Imperial vessel, forcing it to land on an unclaimed moon. The moon, a desolate rock lying outside both Federation and Empire control, was the perfect location for the rescue mission.


    The red light above stopped flashing, switching to a steady glow. As if on cue, Katherine unbuckled her harness and stood before Grayson even moved. Without a word, the two operatives made their way to the rear ramp of their shuttle, weapons in hand, waiting for it to open.


    Grayson glanced down, checking his weapon one last time. He carried the Federation¡¯s standard-issue rifle¡ªa sleek, reliable automatic designed to fire caseless rounds. Its versatility made it ideal for both the vacuum of space and close-quarters combat. Across from him, Katherine inspected her own weapon with the same focus.


    Neither spoke a word. Grayson figured she wasn¡¯t the talkative type, which suited him fine. As long as she communicated when it is necessary, that was all that mattered.


    With a hiss of hydraulics, the ramp dropped open, revealing the target ship sitting quietly in the crater below. The Imperial vessel was dark, its engines silent, surrounded by the barren, rocky landscape.


    Grayson adjusted his grip on his rifle, this was it. Time to move.


    Grayson bunny-hopped down the ramp, landing softly before tucking himself behind a large boulder. Katherine joined him moments later, her movements quick and precise.


    It was then that she spoke her first words. ¡°Grayson, is it? You cover me while I make my way down to the crater, then I¡¯ll cover you. Do not fire unless necessar¡ªwe don¡¯t want to expose ourselves.¡±


    Grayson nodded, silently acknowledging her authority. As the lower-ranked operative, it was natural to let her take control of the mission, though he couldn¡¯t help but harbor some doubts. Was her promotion a testament to her skill, or was it simply tied to her role in the Federation¡¯s recruitment campaigns? He intended to find out soon enough.


    ¡°We have an hour at most before the Empire realizes their ship didn¡¯t make it,¡± Katherine added, her tone sharp and serious. ¡°So don¡¯t drag me down, and try to keep up, Grayson.¡±


    The remark stung, but Grayson bit back a retort. Normally, he wouldn¡¯t let something like that slide, but this wasn¡¯t the time or place. Instead, he resolved to prove himself through action. After all, he hadn¡¯t earned his place here by chance.


    He tightened his grip on his rifle and gave her a curt nod. ¡°Lead the way,¡± he said simply, determined.


    Grayson watched as Katherine¡¯s already petite frame grew smaller and smaller, her figure almost blending into the crater¡¯s shadowy depths. She moved with precision, half sliding, half hopping, using the moon¡¯s low gravity to her advantage as she descended the steep incline effortlessly.


    Shifting his gaze to the Imperial transport, Grayson studied the vessel. It was a hulking mass of black metal against the grey, barren surface of the moon. The ship looked menacing, with its angular design and heavy plating. The Empire built their ships to exude dominance and efficiency, favoring thick armor and minimal aesthetic touches. Coated in matte black paint, the ship reflected no light, giving it an ominous appearance. The absence of windows reinforced its utilitarian nature¡ªthis was not a vessel for comfort or exploration, but a war machine built for function over form.


    This lack of luxury, however, worked in their favor. The ship, designed for large-scale space combat, lacked equipment sensitive enough to detect small, human-sized targets. It was a glaring oversight, born of the Empire¡¯s overconfidence in their strategy: annihilate threats from a distance before they could ever pose a real challenge.


    Grayson smirked slightly, slinging his rifle onto his back. Katherine had already reached the bottom of the crater, and now it was his turn.


    He swung his legs over the edge and began sliding down the incline. Unlike Katherine, his descent was far from graceful. His heavier frame caused him to pick up speed quickly, and he had to press his hands against the crater¡¯s walls to slow himself down. In the process, he kicked up a significant amount of loose dirt, creating a small cloud of debris trailing behind him.


    ¡°Slow down, big guy,¡± Katherine mocked through the comm, a faint chuckle in her tone.


    ¡°Trying,¡± Grayson muttered, shifting his weight as he attempted to control his speed. He was only halfway down when he noticed Katherine suddenly readying her rifle.


    She crouched, aiming it toward the Imperial ship, her movements quick and deliberate. Grayson followed her gaze and immediately saw what had caught her attention¡ªthe ship¡¯s underbelly floodlights had turned on, casting bright beams of light onto the crater floor.


    ¡°Someone¡¯s coming out.¡±

 22. Back Home

    It was too late for Grayson to slow down. He¡¯d already kicked up enough dirt and debris to alert the ship¡¯s crew. Accepting this, he released his grip on the incline and allowed himself to descend quickly. His boots hit the crater floor with a heavy thud, sending out another plume of dirt. Without wasting a second, he unslung his rifle and aimed it at the ship.


    A small lift was descending from the ship¡¯s underbelly. Grayson saw three pairs of feet first, then legs, and finally the full forms of the soldiers aboard. Each one was armed with Imperial rifles, their postures rigid and alert.


    He glanced back at the trail of dirt and smoke he¡¯d left behind. The evidence of their presence was unmistakable¡ªthere was no way the Imperial soldiers wouldn¡¯t notice.


    Grayson gritted his teeth, exchanging a quick glance with Katherine. Both of them understood. This was earlier than planned, but it was the moment they had to act.


    They steadied their rifles. Grayson¡¯s targeting system locked onto the soldier on the far left, while his visor indicated Katherine had targeted the one on the far right. Grayson exhaled slowly, his finger gently pressing against the trigger.


    The soldier he aimed at suddenly stiffened, his head turning toward the disturbance as he raised his hand to signal his squad mates. That was all the confirmation Grayson needed.


    He fired.


    The caseless round shot out with precision, the rifle emitting only a quiet thump against his shoulder. The soldier crumpled to the ground instantly.


    At the same moment, Katherine¡¯s target was hit. The impact sent the soldier falling backward, tumbling over the lift¡¯s railing.


    The remaining soldier in the middle stood frozen, his face a mix of confusion and shock. He didn¡¯t even manage to raise his weapon before Grayson and Katherine both adjusted their aim, firing in unison. The combined shots struck him squarely, and he collapsed, his rifle falling uselessly to the ground.


    The lift stopped at the bottom of the crater, its railing sliding open with a quiet hiss. Its occupants lay motionless, no longer in need of its service. After a brief pause, the railing slid shut again, and the lift began its slow ascent back toward the ship.


    Grayson and Katherine exchanged a quick glance before bolting toward the lift. They had to move fast¡ªthis was their one chance to get inside.


    Katherine reached the lift first, but it was too high for her to reach on her own.


    ¡°Quick,¡± Grayson said, dropping to one knee and stacking his hands together, ready to give her a boost.


    Without hesitation, Katherine stepped onto his hands. She was far lighter than any of his usual squad mates, and Grayson launched her upward with ease. Katherine grabbed the edge of the railing, her movements precise and fluid. She pulled herself up onto the platform and immediately leaned over to check on Grayson¡¯s progress.


    He waited below, his weapon still ready, when suddenly, the lift descended again. Katherine¡¯s face reappeared in his line of sight, her expression softer now, a genuine smile spreading across her lips.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± she said, her voice carrying a hint of approval.


    Grayson smirked and stepped onto the lift with her. Together, they tossed the lifeless enemies off the platform to clear the space.


    As the lift began its ascent, the two operatives readied their weapons, standing shoulder to shoulder.


    Once inside the ship, nothing could stop them. Their cover was already blown, and time was against them. Surely, the ship was already transmitting an emergency signal to the rest of the Imperial fleet. Grayson and Katherine left the lift with guns blazing, meeting resistance at every turn. Soldiers waited for them in the corridors, at every corner, determined to block their advance.


    The two operatives worked seamlessly, covering each other as they cleared the hallways.


    Despite the constant firefight, neither ran out of ammunition. They not only kept track of their own ammo counts but also remembered each other¡¯s.


    ¡°Reloading,¡± Katherine called, dropping to a crouch as she ejected her empty magazine.


    Grayson stepped in front of her, firing two quick shots that dropped two soldiers advancing from his direction. He swung around to the rear, dispatching another with a precise burst before turning back to Katherine.


    By then, Katherine had slammed a fresh magazine into her rifle. Without missing a beat, she fired two shots over Grayson¡¯s shoulder, taking down a soldier rushing toward them from down the corridor.


    Together, they pushed through the ship, clearing corridor after corridor with precision and efficiency. Finally, only the bridge remained.


    They stood in front of the locked bridge door, its red light signaling it was sealed from the inside.


    Katherine tried the touchpad beside the door, but it refused to respond. ¡°They¡¯ve locked it from the inside,¡± she said, her tone sharp with frustration.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Grayson replied, a small smile tugging at his lips. He cracked his knuckles and jammed his fingers into the narrow seam of the sliding door.


    Katherine raised an eyebrow, half laughing. ¡°Wait, what do you think you¡¯re going to do? Pull it open? That door weighs at least¡ª¡±


    The door creaked loudly, interrupting her. Grayson grunted with effort, his muscles straining as the reinforced metal groaned under the force. With a final push, the door slid open.


    Katherine stared in shock. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned,¡± she muttered, quickly raising her rifle and aiming at the defenseless bridge crew inside.


    ¡°Surprise,¡± Grayson said with a smirk, stepping into the bridge alongside her, his own rifle raised.


    ---


    "And needless to say, both of us were awarded for our outstanding performance on that mission," Commander Grayson said proudly, his tone carrying a hint of nostalgia. "We received high honors and were given opportunities to become officers. And that," he added with a small, satisfied smile, "was how the two of us first met."Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    It was clear from his voice that this memory was one he held in high regard, a defining moment in his career that he valued deeply.


    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Ivan asked, his voice curious as he maneuvered the ship toward its landing coordinates. Kai recognized the familiar landscape coming into view. ¡°You said earlier that you wanted to stay away from the Space Force. Did something happen?¡±


    Commander Grayson¡¯s proud grin faltered, his expression growing solemn. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ll share that story another day,¡± he said quietly, brushing off the weight of his own thoughts with a slow shake of his head.


    The Black Swan touched down gently on the landing pad where it had departed nearly a week ago. Waiting below was the ground crew, ready to refuel and resupply the ship. As the rear ramp lowered, the crew exited together, Baiyan among them. His recovery was nearly complete. He moved carefully, his eyes scanning everything on this unfamiliar planet.


    Kai felt a sense of relief as his boots sank into the familiar soft red sand of Drakmoor. Beside him, Eliana took a deep breath, and the two of them shared a moment, soaking in the comforting desert air. The temperature was perfect, the time of day balanced between the heat of the sun and the chill of the night.


    Kai noticed Eliana¡¯s face light up as a sleek luxury car approached the pad¡ªthe same one they had taken when they first arrived.


    The car came to a stop, and a man stepped out. Kai immediately recognized him as Mr. Draco. He smiled and gave a welcoming wave.


    Eliana, however, didn¡¯t hold back her excitement. She rushed toward her father, wrapping him in a warm embrace. Their reunion was filled with the unmistakable joy of family, and Kai could see the glimmer of tears in Eliana¡¯s eyes. She wasn¡¯t used to being away from her family for so long, and this moment clearly meant the world to her.


    Then, Kai noticed Kevin¡¯s gaze shift, landing on Baiyan, who stood slightly behind everyone else. Kevin''s eyes lingered for a moment, and Kai recognized the same expression he had when first met with Commander Yang¡ªa mix of surprise, uncertainty, and perhaps a hint of fear. However, decades of business dealings had taught Kevin to conceal his emotions well. If he felt uncomfortable in Baiyan¡¯s presence, he didn¡¯t show it.


    ¡°You must be Mr. Baiyan,¡± Kevin said warmly, stepping forward with an easy smile that seemed sincere. ¡°I¡¯m Kevin Draco, head of the mining company here on Drakmoor. You can call me Kevin, as all my friends do. Welcome to Drakmoor.¡±


    Baiyan nodded politely. ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you, Kevin. I hope my presence does not alarm you.¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Kevin replied with a hearty laugh. ¡°I¡¯m a businessman. Physical appearances don¡¯t concern me¡ªit¡¯s what¡¯s inside that counts.¡±


    Baiyan chuckled along, the tension in the air easing slightly. Kai relaxed as he watched them interact, grateful that things seemed to be going smoothly.


    Kevin¡¯s eyes lingered briefly on Baiyan¡¯s uneven posture, a subtle sign of the injuries he was still recovering from.


    ¡°Ah, right,¡± Kevin said, his tone shifting to one of concern. ¡°You were hurt during that daring escape¡ªCommander Grayson mentioned it to me. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll have someone take a look at that as soon as we¡¯re back in the city.¡±


    Baiyan gave a small nod of gratitude.


    Behind Kai, the voices of the ground crew suddenly picked up, growing louder and more frantic. He turned to see what was causing the commotion.


    On the horizon, a wave of red loomed large. At first, Kai thought it was a mountain range he hadn¡¯t noticed before. But as the details sharpened in his vision, he realized it wasn¡¯t mountains¡ªit was a sandstorm, massive and fast-moving, heading straight for them.


    In the four months Kai had spent on Drakmoor, there had been only one sandstorm, and he¡¯d been underground in the mines when it hit. This was his first time seeing one out in the open. Drakmoor¡¯s flat, barren landscape offered no resistance to storms like this, allowing them to pick up immense speed and power.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not wait any longer,¡± Kevin said, motioning toward the vehicles.


    Kai hurried alongside Eliana, both climbing into the car with Kevin. The rest of the crew, including Baiyan, piled into another vehicle, preparing to head back to the city. Engines roared to life, and the convoy sped off, racing against the storm bearing down on them.


    ---


    Mama Mo sipped her tea, a faint smile on her lips as the warmth traveled down her throat. The pu''er tea, grown only in small batches, was a rare treasure she rarely shared with guests. But Kai was different. The young man represented her last hope for saving her people from the impending doom that loomed ever closer. If the council continued to cling to their old ways, she would take it upon herself to ensure the survival of Chinatown¡¯s citizens.


    Her serene moment was interrupted by a loud crash. The wooden door splintered as a man smashed through it, sliding across the floor until his limp body stopped just in front of her.


    It was one of her guards.


    Mama Mo sighed, snapping her fingers. The comforting illusion of the tea room dissolved instantly, leaving behind the cold, sterile grey of the simulation chamber.


    Smoke billowed from the shattered doorway. Footsteps followed, heavy and deliberate, echoing ominously. Three men emerged from the smoke, clad in full black armor. Their helmets had no visors, only twin red sensors where eyes should have been, glowing menacingly in the dim light. Rifles were trained on her, steady and unyielding.


    The lead soldier raised his fist, halting the others. He let go of his rifle, letting it hang by its sling, and reached up to remove his helmet.


    His face was a grim sight. Bald and clean-shaven, it was marred by scars and burn marks, his hawk-like nose betraying European ancestry. Even Mama Mo flinched slightly at the sight of him, her hand trembling just enough to cause her tea to ripple. She recognized him immediately¡ªhe was the Inquisitor, leader of the True Kin¡¯s most elite soldiers.


    Still, she smiled faintly. If he was here, it meant they hadn¡¯t yet caught up with Kai and Baiyan.


    ¡°Mama Mo,¡± the Inquisitor said through the speaker in his helmet, his voice low and gravelly. He stepped forward, his imposing figure casting a shadow over her. ¡°You know why we¡¯re here. Where is the boy?¡±


    Mama Mo shrugged lightly, her expression calm. ¡°That, I have no idea. He was only here for a cup of tea. I didn¡¯t keep him long.¡±


    The Inquisitor spat on the ground, leaning closer to her. ¡°The council wants that boy, and you protected him. You know very well what treason means for the True Kin.¡±


    Mama Mo didn¡¯t flinch, instead raising her cup to take another sip of tea. ¡°All I know is that the council has changed. Isolation has made them fearful of the outside world. We were meant to reunite with humanity. Isn¡¯t the Gifted One what we¡¯ve been waiting for all along?¡±


    The Inquisitor didn¡¯t give her the chance to say another word. He raised his rifle and fired. The shot struck Mama Mo squarely in the forehead. Her body snapped backward and collapsed to the floor.


    Then, her figure shimmered and dissolved into pixels, vanishing completely.


    ¡°of course. A hologram, in her simulation room.¡± the Inquisitor growled, his expression twisting with frustration.


    One of his soldiers hesitated. ¡°Sir, what should we do now?¡±


    The Inquisitor¡¯s frustration melted into a sinister smile. ¡°No worries,¡± he said, his tone dark. ¡°We¡¯ll just find out where the boy went.¡±


    ---


    The sandstorm caught up to the convoy just as they reached the city. Visibility outside the car grew worse with each passing second, and Kai could hear the relentless patter of sand pelting the vehicle. The streets were deserted; everyone had sought shelter, leaving the city eerily quiet despite the storm¡¯s roar.


    Kai felt a wave of unease but glanced at Eliana and Kevin. They seemed unfazed, as if this were just another ordinary occurrence.


    ¡°What happens to the city during sandstorms like this?¡± Kai asked Eliana.


    Eliana smiled, her demeanor calm. ¡°Sandstorms like this are a lot of work to clean up afterward, but they¡¯re relatively safe compared to what people on other planets have to endure.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Kai said, recalling something he¡¯d read about another planet where residents lived underground year-round to escape constant acid rain.


    The convoy turned into a downward ramp, heading into the underground parking lot of the Draco building. The garage was packed with cars, all seeking refuge from the storm above.


    Their vehicles stopped in front of the underground lobby, and everyone began to disembark.


    Kai glanced over at Baiyan. The man seemed a bit shaken, his posture slightly rigid as he stepped out of the car. Kai guessed this might have been his first real experience with life outside the asteroid belt. A storm like this, so different from the cold, controlled environments of space, must have given him a new perspective.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Kai asked as he walked over.


    Baiyan nodded after a moment, offering a small smile. ¡°Just¡­ getting used to how unpredictable planets can be.¡±


    Kai chuckled lightly. ¡°You¡¯ll get the hang of it.¡±

 23. Desert Heat

    Life could change very fast. That was something Kai had learned all too well in recent times.


    Just a year ago, at 25, he had graduated from university earlier than most of his peers. He had family, friends, and, like many his age, he was still figuring out what to do with his life.


    Then the bombs fell.


    The alarms blared throughout the city while most people were still asleep. But Kai wasn¡¯t one of them. He had been awake, flipping through the latest issue of Ship Head, a popular magazine for spaceship enthusiasts. That night, he¡¯d been engrossed in a debate over the merits of negative energy gravity generators versus electromagnetic gravity generators. Personally, he leaned toward the former.


    He even had time to glance out the window before chaos erupted. In an instant, the city descended into panic. People were screaming, crying, and dying. It was sheer luck that Kai managed to escape the building he was in. And a miracle that he survived his way out of the city.


    As the car he¡¯d hitchhiked in emerged from a tunnel leading to open fields, he glanced back at the city. The driver, a middle-aged man, was crying silently. The child¡¯s car seat in the back was empty, its absence telling a story too painful to share. Like Kai, the man had lost his family in the sudden and merciless attack.


    Velmorra was a decently sized planet, big enough that the Empire couldn¡¯t monitor every ship leaving its surface. But they didn¡¯t need to. Their message to the Federation was clear. Velmorra was just another casualty in a long list of neutral planets the Empire had invaded to prove its power.


    When Kai first arrived on Drakmoor, it was worse than he could have imagined. The planet seemed barren, its only valuable resources buried deep within the mines. Kai resigned himself to what he thought would be his new life¡ªliving in a small portable shack, risking his life underground, and dreaming of one day owning a ship of his own.


    Then his life changed again.


    Meeting Eliana was the best thing to happen to him since the bombs fell. She picked him up from the depths of despair and reminded him of the wonders still left to experience. She gave him hope and, most importantly, love.


    Now, he had a purpose far greater than himself. If he put it in clich¨¦d terms, the fate of the human race might very well rest on his shoulders. He was the one that discovered the buried ship left by what he now know was Earth. It told a story of a long forgotten danger. And it''s was up to him to find out what it really was.


    It was a burden, a heavy burden, and it was only growing heavier with each passing second.


    Then he realized, the literal burden he felt was a pair of arms wrapping around his shoulders, pushing him down into the soft padding of the sofa he was sitting on.


    ¡°What are you thinking, Kai?¡± Eliana asked, her voice teasing as she hugged him from behind. ¡°Daydreaming?¡±


    Kai smiled softly, her warmth grounding him. ¡°Yeah,¡± he admitted. ¡°Something like that.¡±


    The room they were in was unlike the formal space where Kai had first met Kevin. This one was much more inviting, with a warmth that blended seamlessly with the understated luxury characteristic of Kevin¡¯s style.


    The walls were paneled with rich, dark wood that gave the space a cozy feel, while discreetly embedded lighting bathed the room in a soft, golden glow. A plush cream-colored rug covered the polished stone floor, muffling footsteps and adding to the relaxed atmosphere. The centerpiece of the room was a large, low-slung coffee table made from a single slab of polished obsidian, its surface reflecting the gentle light.


    Against one wall stood a built-in shelving unit filled with meticulously arranged books, a few artful sculptures, and glowing trinkets from Drakmoor¡¯s mines. A large window dominated the opposite wall, its smart glass dimmed to block out the harsh sandstorm but still offering a faint view of the swirling red outside.


    ¡°Sorry for the wait,¡± Kevin said as he entered the room, pulling their attention back to him. He¡¯d excused himself earlier to deal with the unexpected sandstorm. The weather had brought the entire city to a halt, delaying shipments and grinding operations to a temporary standstill.


    ¡°Well¡­ a couple of cargo ships had to cancel their takeoffs due to the sandstorm,¡± Kevin continued, hanging his jacket on a sleek chrome rack by the door. ¡°But nothing too serious. All the mines are fine¡ªno flooding of sand or other issues.¡±


    Kevin stood beside Eliana, addressing the room while the rest of the crew settled into their spaces. Commander Grayson examined a sculptures on the shelf, his expression unreadable, while the crew chatted with Baiyan, finally getting to know their newest member after his time in the medical bay.


    Kevin cleared his throat, and the room fell silent, save for the faint howling of the wind outside, which was slowly dying down as the sandstorm passed.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to congratulate everyone on a successful mission,¡± Kevin began, his voice steady and warm. ¡°And since the expedition was funded by me, you¡¯ll all be rewarded handsomely.¡±


    That announcement lightened the atmosphere instantly, and the crew cheered in unison. Robert, in particular, looked thrilled, and Kai couldn¡¯t help but wonder how the man planned to spend his share¡ªhis money was probably destined for Drakmoor¡¯s red-light district.


    ¡°On to more important matters,¡± Kevin continued, his tone shifting to seriousness. ¡°Commander Grayson has informed me that the True Kin are not the enemy we initially thought. Instead, they are a potential ally. While the higher-ups in their organization may have opposing ideals regarding Kai¡¯s existence, there are many among the True Kin who wish to reveal the truth and reunite with the rest of humanity. Isn¡¯t that right, Mr. Baiyan?¡±


    Baiyan nodded. ¡°Yes. It¡¯s unfortunate, but the True Kin are divided Both the masquerade. Still, it¡¯s natural that some would fear the idea of opening up to humanity after so long in isolation.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Kevin said. ¡°It will take a great deal of effort to convince the Federation to accept the True Kin as part of human society. But the bigger problem lies within the very human nature itself. Prolonged isolation has caused each of the True Kin societies to further develop unique cultures and belief systems. That¡¯s going to cause significant friction when they eventually interact with the rest of humanity. Adjusting to new ideas won¡¯t happen overnight.¡±


    Kai spoke up. ¡°When I talked with Mama Mo, she said the only way to survive against the thing¡ªwhatever is dimming the stars¡ªis if the Empire, the Federation, and the True Kin stand together. We need to show the universe that there¡¯s something real out there. People need to stop fighting each other. This war cannot happen.¡±


    Eliana frowned, her gaze soft but conflicted. ¡°Kai, I believe in you because I¡¯ve seen your power firsthand. But for the rest of the universe, especially the elders of the Empire, the idea of a star-eating threat is going to sound ridiculous to them.¡±If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    A heavy silence fell over the room. The unification of humanity seemed an impossible dream.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Eliana said after a moment, her voice apologetic. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to dampen the mood.¡±


    Kevin stepped forward, his tone calm but firm. ¡°No need to apologize, Eliana. Doubt is natural, but so is progress. All things big starts with people like us¡ªthose who are willing to take the first steps toward something better. So let¡¯s focus on what we can do.¡±


    His words seemed to lift the room.


    "Right," Ivan said, "I though flying a ship was impossible, and look at me now. An expert pilot."


    Kai chuckled softly. He knew Kevin was right¡ªsomeone had to do it, and he would be that someone.


    Just a year. That was all the time left until the two system aligned¡ª until the attack on Drakmoor. His mind drifted to memories he wished he could forget. The man silently crying in the driver¡¯s seat, the empty baby seat in the back, and the burning city fading into the distance.


    No, he wouldn¡¯t let that happen again.


    He needed evidence¡ªsolid proof that something had forced humanity to abandon Earth long ago. And what better way to uncover the truth than to find Earth itself?


    He thought of the technician they¡¯d met down in the mine. Isaac¡ªthat was his name. Kai wondered if the man had made any progress on his calculations.


    ¡°Has Mr. Isaac gotten back to you yet?¡± Kai asked Kevin.


    ¡°No, why?¡± Kevin replied, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Just wondering if he¡¯s figured out where Earth is yet,¡± Kai said, his curiosity evident.


    Kevin chuckled and leaned back slightly, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. ¡°Well, how about you go ask him yourself?¡±


    To be honest, when Kevin asked Kai to find Isaac, he had imagined a simple trip¡ªtaking the elevator down, walking a few blocks, and Issac will be waiting for him in one of the high-tech looking buildings. What he definitely didn''t expected was a scorching drive through the midday desert sun.


    Kai sat in the driver¡¯s seat of his new car, the engine humming smoothly beneath him. Beside him, Eliana rode shotgun, her sunglasses shielding her hazel eyes from the blinding sun. Both of them were dressed practically for the harsh desert terrain. Kai wore a lightweight, long-sleeved beige shirt that protected his skin from the sun, paired with rugged cargo pants and sturdy boots. Eliana sported a breathable olive-green button-up shirt tucked into slim utility pants, her boots scuffed but reliable. A lightweight scarf was wrapped loosely around her neck, ready to pull up over her face if the wind picks up.


    Kai glanced at Eliana and couldn¡¯t help but think how stunning she looked. A part of him wanted to lean over and kiss her, but the thought of Baiyan sitting in the backseat stopped him. He and Eliana exchanged an excited glence, celebrating their first drive together.


    Baiyan, on the other hand, looked far less enthusiastic. He slouched slightly, his expression betraying his discomfort with the situation. Having just started to enjoy the conveniences of the city, he wasn¡¯t thrilled to find himself back in the middle of nowhere. His hair was tighted behind his head in a man bun. His outfit¡ªa simple dark shirt, durable pants, and a thin jacket¡ª it suited his no nonsense demeanor.


    ¡°Are we there yet?¡± Baiyan muttered, he leaned to the side, dodging the mid-day sun shining thought the window.


    Kai smirked, adjusting his sunglasses as he navigated the seemingly endless stretch of desert. ¡°Not yet. Try to enjoy the view.¡±


    Kevin hadn¡¯t provided transportation this time. Instead, he¡¯d pointed Kai toward a car dealership with nothing more than a warm smile.


    With the money Kevin had given him, Kai figured he could afford a reliable vehicle fit for the harsh desert terrain. Eliana accompanied him as he browsed the options, walking among rows of shiny vehicles under the show lights.


    After some internal debate, Kai finally settled on a sport utility vehicle that could handle his everyday needs while being durable enough for the desert. It will be a significant chunk of his newfound savings, but he knew it would be worth it in the long run.


    When the time came to pay, both Kai and Eliana stared at the balance displayed on his bank account.


    C: 10,059,000


    Ten million and fifty-nine thousand credits. The number felt surreal. Months spent toiling in the mines had earned him barely a fraction of that. Now, he had more money than he¡¯d ever dreamed of¡ªenough to buy a ship, and then some. Mr. Draco had kept his word: fifty-nine thousand for the expedition, and ten million for finding the buried ship.


    ¡°Wow,¡± Eliana said, her voice tinged with awe. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a lot of money.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± Kai said with a smile. He handed his bank card to the saleswoman. ¡°I¡¯ll take this car, please.¡±


    That night, Kai and Eliana went shopping together, buying all the gear they needed for the trip¡ªand extra supplies for Baiyan, too. They treated themselves to a delicious meal, the table beside them piled high with shopping bags of all shapes and sizes.


    The two of them drew plenty of attention, but neither of them cared. For once, life felt simple and good, and they enjoyed every moment of it.


    Finally, they reached the coordinates displayed on the car¡¯s navigation system. Isaac should be here somewhere. The three disembarked, the oppressive desert heat immediately bearing down on them.


    Kai scanned the area for the entrance to the underground facility Kevin had described. The vast expanse of sand seemed to stretch endlessly, and for a moment, he feared the sandstorm had buried the entrance entirely. But after carefully inspecting the area, he spotted it¡ªa hatch concealed by a thin layer of sand, cleverly hidden in plain sight for those not specifically looking for it.


    He crouched down, brushing the sand away to reveal the hatch. Embedded in the surface was a keypad with a blue button labeled ¡°Buzz.¡± Kai pressed it. Nothing happened. He pressed it again, but there was still no response.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s not here,¡± Baiyan said, his tone edged with impatience. The heat was clearly getting to him.


    Kai leaned down and pressed his ear against the hatch, listening carefully. At first, there was silence. Then, faintly, he heard the metallic clunk of footsteps moving below, followed by the distinct sound of boots on a ladder.


    He pulled back just as the hatch creaked open, revealing Isaac¡¯s familiar face. The man looked like he hadn¡¯t slept in days. His hoodie was wrinkled, his hair a disheveled mess, and dark circles shadowed his eyes.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you guys!¡± Isaac exclaimed, his tone fast and excited. ¡°Right, right, you¡¯re here about the coordinates for Earth. Perfect timing¡ªI was just about to contact Mr. Kevin. Oh, quick, come in, come in!¡±


    Kai stepped aside to let Baiyan go in first. ¡°Dr. Isaac, this is Baiyan, a representative from the True Kin. He¡¯s also interested in finding Earth¡¯s coordinates,¡± Kai said with a small wink at Baiyan.


    Baiyan nodded politely and descended into the facility.


    Next, Kai gestured for Eliana to enter. She stopped in front of him, brushing off some sand that had clung to his ear from the wind. Her touch lingered, and Kai seized the moment, pulling her close and stealing a quick kiss.


    Eliana smiled, her cheeks slightly flushed, before climbing down the ladder.


    Kai followed last, carefully lowering himself onto the steel rungs. He closed the hatch securely behind him and descended into the underground facility. The ladder wasn¡¯t long, and soon his boots clanged against a solid steel walkway below.


    Kai paused for a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the dimly lit environment. The tunnel ahead sloped downward, leading to a single staircase. The lighting was sparse, barely illuminating the narrow passage, making it difficult to discern where the first step began.


    Isaac led the way, descending quickly and confidently, his excitement palpable. Behind him, Baiyan, Eliana, and Kai moved more cautiously, their footsteps echoing softly against the metal steps.


    As they neared the bottom, Kai noticed a massive door at the end of the staircase. It looked entirely out of place¡ªthick and imposing, like a bank vault door rather than something meant for a place like this.


    Why would Isaac even needed this? Kai wondered, puzzled. But as he stepped through the door, the answer became clear.


    The room beyond was like something out of a science fiction movie. The cavernous space was filled with rows upon rows of computers, stacked together in massive racks that lined the walls and stretched down the center of the room. Cables snaked across the floor, some neatly bundled, others haphazardly draped like vines in a jungle of machinery. The hum of fans and processors filled the air, a constant, low vibration that gave the space a strange energy.


    At the far end of the cave-like room was a massive wall of monitors, seamlessly arranged to form a single, expansive screen. The screen flickered with data¡ªgraphs, maps, and incomprehensible streams of numbers that scrolled endlessly. The glow from the monitors bathed the room in a bluish light, illuminating the intricate setup with an almost otherworldly brilliance.


    Kai¡¯s mouth fell open as he took it all in. He had only ever seen something like this in the fictions.


    Isaac noticed their astonished expressions and smiled proudly. He pushed up his glasses, his voice filled with enthusiasm.


    ¡°Welcome to the Nexus.¡±