The days following their space battle with Captain Uler had been rather calm. Thanks to his excellent piloting skills, Skylar had asked Cavah to handle the pilot's duties for this mission, while she took charge of navigation and engineering, which she particularly enjoyed. Over the days, she found herself increasingly enjoying Cavah's company. But she was aware that once this mission was over, he would have to return to his life, and she would be alone again. Surprisingly, Cavah also seemed to appreciate the ship and its Captain.
Skylar was in the engine room when Cavah called her. They were approaching Zetania, with their destination being the city of Osmea, where Cavah had assured them they would find someone capable of helping them. She didn't like dealing with criminals, but she didn't have a choice. She nodded and hurried to join him in the command center. Once there, she took her place at the communication station, and almost immediately, someone contacted them. The Academic ship Krœnos was entering Osmea's airspace.
"Unknown vessel, identify yourself," ordered the voice.
"Academic vessel, Krœnos, Academy code 666-5 evata 7," replied Skylar, transmitting the code.
Code under verification, cargo?"
"Myself and my crew."
"Code verified. Academic vessel, I will ask you to hold in a stationary position for a moment, please."
Skylar didn't have time to respond before they were put on hold. She cast an inquisitive glance at Cavah.
"Zetania rarely receives visits from Academy ships. Siirus is extremely distant, and its Academy is considered the pinnacle of authority, but in these remote areas, they rarely come," he explained. "Over there, the person who contacted us probably reached out to the Intelligence Service, an elegant term for high-ranking criminals. They must think you're here for an inspection, and they probably don't know how to react."
"What should I say?"
"Tell them you're here to resolve the Last Protocol. They'll let you land without any issues."
The Captain nodded, and moments later, a more severe and authoritative voice than the previous one, that of the head of the Intelligence Service, addressed them.
"Academic vessel, Krœnos, I apologize for this delay. I am Magua, head of the Intelligence Service. I will have to ask you for the reason for your visit."
"I'm not here for an inspection if that's what you're concerned about. I'm here to resolve the Last Protocol."
A silence followed. You could almost hear the breath of the person in charge quickening on the other side of the communicator. Clearly, he knew what the Last Protocol was, that it had the power to destroy the entire city, and that there was nothing he could do about it. It was better to let the Academy representative of this ship land in peace.
"Authorization to land, on behalf of my employees and myself. Forgive us for this delay."
"It's alright."
The communication was cut, and Cavah could begin the landing phase.
Since Sarek had talked to her about the Last Protocol and its significance throughout the galaxy, Skylar had struggled to understand how it could be beneficial. How could avenging a captain's death contribute to the greater good of the home planet or the Academy? she, whose goal was the exploration and discovery of new planets and civilizations. Skylar couldn't comprehend how revenge still had a place in such an advanced society. She had never really understood.
What she did understand, however, was that Captains coming out of the Academy were famous and highly respected, most of the time even by the most malicious creatures in the underworlds of planets. Sarek had named her Captain, and the Academy had recognized her in turn. She would soon become famous, but none of it excited her, even though she knew how to use it to her advantage...
The Krœnos landed in the city's wealthiest district, due to the high concentration of wealthy criminals who lived there. It was a neighborhood that was both extremely secure and very dangerous, depending on who was there and their intentions. Skylar was an Academy Captain, but behind those doors, as long as she didn't show her Bracelet, she was just a stranger, nothing more.
She quickly changed, putting on her black pants with a beige pattern, black boots, a brown checkered shirt, and a black leather jacket over it. Then, she went to the armory, took two weapons, put one in her thigh holster and the other on her belt, then joined Cavah in the kitchen. He couldn't go out without compromising their mission, so he would guide her from the ship. Skylar activated the tracker on her Bracelet to allow Cavah to follow her continuously and turned on her earpiece. They had had time to fine-tune their plan before arriving in Zetania, but she knew that plans based on her actions tended to go awry.
She had to go to the Office, a state-of-the-art hotel frequented by the most notorious criminals in the region. From there, she would have to locate Cavah's "friend," Fr’ehe. Fr’ehe was a Togusin, one of the few creatures almost human-like, except that they were broader, more muscular, and practically superior in everything. A single punch from him could have sent Skylar straight to the gates of Hell. It was because of him that Cavah had been banned from Zetania. He had significant influence in the Intelligence Service, and currently, he was the only person likely to help them in their mission.
"Alright, Captain, you must be as diplomatic as possible. We don't want trouble. You are protected by the Academy and the Last Protocol, but don't test your luck," warned Cavah.
"I'm well aware, Cavah, don't worry. I know that behind these doors, I'm not much."
"Whether you believe it or not, you work well under pressure."
"Fingers crossed."
"'Fingers crossed'?" Cavah repeated, incredulous.
"It's something we say on my planet for good luck."
"Alright... I'll follow you using your tracker. If there's a problem, contact me, and I'll join you."
"No, you can't leave the ship," she worried, "it's far too risky. Who knows what would happen if someone were to recognize you."
"The Krœnos needs its Captain. Risking my safety to bring you back safe and sound is nothing."
A silence fell.
"You know what you have to do, you know the plan. You'll make it. But at the slightest glitch, or if you feel threatened, let me know or return to the ship. One Last Protocol is enough," he reminded.
"At your command," Skylar joked. "I'll make it."
Cavah smiled in response and accompanied her to the exit of the ship. He closed the door behind her and headed straight for the Command Center. He was following Skylar using her tracker and remained in constant contact with her through the earpiece she was wearing. This way, he could guide her to the Office hotel.
Zars's Moon was brighter and more pleasant to look at than Taung III. It was a place where "distinguished criminals," as Cavah had put it, ruled. It almost reminded her of the streets of Budapest. The more she traveled, the more she realized that all civilizations resembled each other at some point in their history. Cavah continued to guide her through the earpiece, and no one seemed to pay much attention to her. When Skylar entered the street where the Office was located, many eyes turned to her. It was true that next to these people, all more distinguished than the other, like those from the 1940s, the poor human stood out. In front of the Office, she noticed that the facade was even more impressive than the surrounding buildings. She entered the hotel, which was immense, grand even, very similar to the one where little Kevin takes refuge in New York in Home Alone, an old movie she liked to watch at Christmas.
"Well," Cavah interrupted, "normally, you're there."
Since she had left The Krœnos, she hadn't cut off communication with him. He knew the place better than she did.
"I'm here, indeed."
"Go to the counter and ask to see Fr’ehe."
So Skylar headed to the counter. Luckily, the person in front of her hadn't taken long to ask for a room. The receptionist was of the same species as Fr’ehe.
"Hello, how can I help you?" he asked as amiably as possible.
"Hello. I would like to know if Fr’ehe…"
"Bark," Cavah interrupted in her earpiece.
"…Bark resides in your hotel."
"Our clients seek privacy. We are not authorized to provide that kind of information."
"I'm sure you can make an exception," Skylar replied without losing her composure.
"No, I'm sorry.
"And now?" she asked, showing her Captain's Bracelet. I'm sure you know what this is. "Only Academy Captains wear these Bracelets."
The creature's face froze, its human appearance working against it. Skylar knew she had won.
"I'll call him immediately. You can wait over there," he said, indicating a corner with couches.
Skylar thanked him and went to sit on one of the couches, waiting for Fr'ehe to arrive. The first step was accomplished, but she still needed to get the information she needed, which seemed more complicated.
"Let's hope Fr'ehe is willing to help us today," Cavah said.
"I guess the sight of the Bracelet will be less effective than with the employees."
"Unfortunately."
A few minutes passed, but Fr'ehe still didn't show up. Skylar was starting to lose patience.
"Captain?" Cavah called.
"I'm still here."
"Spirit has detected several Zarsian combat ships heading for the major cities of Zetania, one of which will land here soon."
"What does that mean?" she asked, suddenly worried.
"I have no idea."
"Keep an eye on them. Fr'ehe is coming."
Fr'ehe looked like the Godfather in the eponymous movie, which might have scared her before, but today, she almost laughed at it. She had stopped being afraid of aliens larger than her on her first trip. She got up and headed towards him. Fr'ehe greeted her first, then she repeated the gesture.
"I suppose you're the Academy Captain? you scared that poor Togusin."
"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention."
"Let's sit down," he ordered without delay.
They both took a seat on one of the couches, and Fr'ehe cleared all the other clients around. It was a matter between him and the Captain.
"You're not here on vacation, are you? the Academy hasn't set foot here in a long time. I'm surprised the Intelligence Service let you land."
"Oh, but they didn't really have a choice. I'm not on vacation; I'm here on business."
"Business concerning me?"
"Indirectly. I need information, and I've been told that you could provide it."
"And who told you that?"
"You'll understand that I prefer to keep my sources anonymous," she said with a smile.
Smiling was instinctual for humans, but Togusins rarely smiled.
"I understand," he said softly, slightly wary. "What are you? you look like Togusins, but you're not one."
"Exactly, I'm a human."
"A human, I've heard of those. You're one of those new species they discovered. What are you doing so far from home?"
"It's not that the conversation doesn't interest me, but can we get back to our business?"
"Alright, alright, since you're in a hurry. What do you want from me?"
"Where is the Maginas Clan?"
"The Maginas Clan?" Fr'ehe repeated, somewhat surprised. "That's a big game you're looking to track down, Captain."
"Don't pretend that it concerns you. I need this information. Do you have the location of the Maginas Clan?"
"What's in it for me?
"How about staying alive?
"Oh, oh! you're going straight for threats," Fr'ehe chuckled.
"Tell him that Esmentia is beautiful this season," Cavah intervened.
"Esmentia is beautiful this season, Skylar repeated.
Never in her life had Skylar seen so much hatred in someone's eyes. It was the only emotion inhabiting Fr'ehe at the moment. She knew that one well-placed sentence could destroy an empire. She knew that the only thing that could stir up so much hatred in a person was the prospect of their family being in danger. It was a well-played move by Cavah. Fr'ehe attempted a quick move toward Skylar, but the sight of the weapon the Captain held in her hand stopped him in his tracks.
"How do you know about Esmentia?! nobody knows they're there!"
"His family is in Esmentia, a planet neighboring Plantia. They were transported there after Fr'ehe's enemies tried to kill them," Cavah informed at the same time.
"Your family is safe and will remain so only if you provide me with the information I need," Skylar added.
A silence fell. On the other side of the earpiece, Cavah was still surprised by Skylar's composure and determination. He was beginning to doubt that she was bluffing.
"I don't..."
But Fr’ehe didn't have time to reply. A grenade exploded nearby, violently throwing Skylar and him several meters away. Armed and masked intruders stormed the hotel, opening fire on anything that moved. In the streets, it was the same chaotic scene. Fr’ehe quickly regained his composure, drew his weapon, and opened fire on the assailants, just like the surviving hotel guests.
Taking cover behind a table, he could see the Academy Captain still lying unconscious on the ground. A few minutes earlier, her fate would have been indifferent to him, but everything had changed now that she knew where his family was, and there was no indication that they were still safe. Whoever these attackers were, the Academy probably wasn't responsible, but maybe she could still do something.
"Captain?!" Cavah shouted from his end.
Since the explosion, he had been calling Skylar nonstop. She must have been caught in the blast. He now regretted not going with her, even though she had insisted he stay on the ship.
"Captain?!"
Still no response, just the crackling of the earpiece.
"I have to go," he finally decided.
"You can't. The Captain ordered you to stay on the ship," the ship's computer reminded.
"Spirit, what would happen if she died here?"
"You should bring her body back to Siirus and complete two Last Protocols."
"Two? But I'm not even part of the crew!"
"You are, at least for the moment," the computer informed.
"Seriously... Captain?!" he yelled once again.
Skylar had been violently thrown by the explosion just as Fr’ehe was about to reveal the Maginas Clan's location to her. Now, she was regaining consciousness without really understanding where she was. She heard only a buzzing sound, and then gradually, the sound returned, bringing with it muffled noises, shots from several weapons, and a constant scream, as if someone was shouting constantly in her ears.
Cavah. The explosion. The armed men. Fr’ehe. Everything came back to her. Suddenly, she was acutely aware of the ongoing firefight all around her. She had no desire to get up and act. If she could stay lying on the ground until it all ended, she would gladly do so. She drew her weapon from her holster with a confident motion.
"Captain?!" Cavah shouted in her ear, making her jump.
"Alive!" she finally replied.
"Sret, you scared me! what's going on?!"
"Explosion, armed men, everyone's shooting at each other. Damn, of course, there's a shootout; I'm really unlucky!"
"I don't think it's your fault, Captain. Zarsian combat ships have invaded all the major cities of Zetania. We're just in the wrong place at the wrong time!"
"Damn it..." she cursed.
The gunfire continued all around her. At least one of the Zarsians had been shot down. Skylar took a deep breath, jumped to her feet, gun in hand. She managed to dodge the shots, but in the melee, she couldn't eliminate a single one. Fr’ehe shouted something at her that she didn't understand, but at least she knew he was still alive and where he was. She ran to join him behind his table.
"You're still alive!" she yelled to Fr’ehe.
"Barely!" he replied. "Who are they?! Siirus?!"
"No! Zarsian combat ships have been spotted! they've invaded the entire planet! they're here for you!"
"Are you kidding?!" exclaimed a Togusin behind the counter, firing in turn.
"No! damn it, but none of you have taken down more than one of them!"
"Think you can do better?!" Fr’ehe yelled to cover the noise of the firefight.
Skylar smirked, the expression of a predator lying in wait. She wasn't a fan of challenges, but this situation was too tempting for her. A brief glance behind the table revealed the positions of the five attackers: two were covering the exit, two were to the right, and one to the left. She found it simple and quick, much less complicated than what she had experienced with Sarek and the rest of the crew on Prean. She took a deep breath to steady her trembling, then rose in one swift motion. Three rapid shots and three of the five attackers fell, leaving barely enough time for the other two to react. Now, she had the last two in her sights. She fired, and they fell over. Fr’ehe and the surviving customers got up, watching her in disbelief.
"Five years of moving target archery," she said in response to their incredulous looks. "Listen, everyone! the streets are dangerous. If you can, flee Zetania as fast as you can. Otherwise, find a place to hide, but don't stay in the streets! these people will kill you at the slightest opportunity. Is there another way out of here?" she asked the Togusin behind the counter.
"Yes, through the kitchen," he replied.
"Then go now!"
The surviving hotel guests didn't wait for a moment and obeyed. They all ran to the kitchen, except for Fr’ehe and her.
"I need this information," she declared, turning to him. "Give it to me, and I'll leave."
"No, no, I won't give you anything until I know if my family is alive!" he replied.
"Your family is safe and sound. I've never set foot on Esmentia; it was a way to get the location of the Maginas Clan!"
"How do you know then?! Who gave you this information?!"
"Tell me where his Clan is!"
"Not until I get my answer!"
Skylar and Fr’ehe were at an impasse, neither willing to reveal their information without assurance from the other. Unbeknownst to them, one of the hooded Zarsians regained consciousness. Skylar hadn't managed to eliminate them all, but she was unaware of this. The Zarsian aimed his weapon in their direction and pulled the trigger with a trembling hand. Skylar was hit in the stomach and fell, and without delay, Fr’ehe drew his weapon and shot the Zarsian. Then he rushed to Skylar, who was strangely still alive and conscious despite her severe injury.
"Captain?!" Cavah yelled again in her ear, which he had been listening to in silence.
"I'm okay..." she assured, even though her injury could potentially be fatal without medical care.
"Who are you talking to?" Fr’ehe asked, trying to help her up.
"My pilot..."
"And why isn't he here to help us?!"
"Those are my orders! I want him to stay on my ship, ready to go..."
But the pain made her lose sensation in her legs, and Fr’ehe supported her.
"You need urgent medical attention!"
"No... I need to get back to my ship."
"I'll send you the safest way according to Spirit's data," Cavah intervened.
"Why are you so stubborn?"
"I can tell you don't know humans..."
The Bracelet displayed a map of the city, completely devastated. The shortest path to the ship was marked in red.
"Oh, a map, perfect," he said sarcastically.
While supporting Skylar, Fr’ehe left the hotel. Less than an hour ago, the street was bustling, now it lay in ruins. They could hear explosions and gunfire in the distance, a real war, a genocide. They moved as quickly as they could towards the next street, but just as they were a few meters away, shots flew over their heads. Three Zarsians had spotted them. Skylar and Fr’ehe took cover against a wall as bullets whizzed around them. Skylar removed Fr’ehe's arm from around her waist and pushed him away.
"Go! Now!" she ordered him. I can handle this.
He looked at her sternly, then nodded and ran in the opposite direction. The Captain took a deep breath and advanced towards the three armed men, her hands in the air. As soon as they saw her, they pointed their weapons in her direction.
"Don't move any closer!" the first one ordered.
"Drop your weapon!" said the second.
Skylar obeyed and stopped in the middle of the street. She gently grabbed her gun from her holster, but she avoided taking the second one she had on her back. They didn't know she had another one, and it was better to keep it that way. She threw her weapon a few meters in front of her.
"You have no right to do this," she told them calmly.
"Shut up! I didn't ask you to talk!" the third one replied, growing increasingly menacing.
"When Siirus and the Academy find out what's happening here..."
"Siirus and the Academy are not here," the first one sneered.
"Oh, I wouldn't bet on that, she replied," showing the Bracelet on her wrist a bit more.
The first of the three suddenly realized who they were dealing with. She was a Captain of the Academy, the highest authority on Zetania and Zars. And it was clear that she was above them, surpassing them in every way.
"Lower your weapons," he finally ordered.
The other two Zarsians obeyed. They were hooded, so their faces were invisible, but you could feel that they were suddenly nervous.
"You know what this is."
"The Captain's Bracelet. Only Academy Captains wear one."
"You have no right to do this, to shoot these innocent people!" she snapped.
"We have orders."
"I don't care about your orders. Zetania is federated but has its own central system. Nothing authorizes you to invade it like this."
"I'm sorry, but orders are orders."
"Apparently..."
"You are free to go, Madam, we will not harm you, but we stay here."
Skylar nodded with little enthusiasm, retrieved her weapon, and tried not to show that her wound was throbbing as she headed back to the alley where she had ordered Fr’ehe to go. Once out of sight of the Zarsian soldiers, she collapsed on the ground. Her wound was probably infected or would be soon. She had to get to her ship as soon as possible. Her head was spinning, she suddenly felt very hot, and she couldn't get up. There was no contact with Cavah, for the moment, he was preparing the ship for takeoff. She was alone waiting. She was about to lose consciousness when someone suddenly pulled her by the arm.
"Get up, come on!"
Skylar observed the person who had helped her stand up and was now supporting her to prevent her from falling. It was Fr’ehe. This fool had returned, she thought. It was fortunate for her because he still hadn't given her the information she was looking for, the reason for her being here. They moved slowly through the alley, following the way back to the ship.
"I told you to leave..." she murmured.
"I'm one of the biggest criminals in this sector. Did you really think I'd listen to you?"
"I tried, but they wouldn't obey me..."
Skylar and Fr’ehe remained silent for a moment, then she remembered the Clan of Maginas. That's why she was here.
"Fr’ehe, wait," she said, stopping. "I need that information."
"I don't have it. I'm sorry, but I don't have it. It's been a long time since I've been in contact with the Clan of Maginas. I'm sorry."
"No... no, no," Skylar repeated without believing a word of what he said. I need that information! I need it..."
"I'm sorry," Fr’ehe replied. "Listen, if we make it out of this, go to Plantia. From there, go see Julius Shayne on the Third Hill. Tell him you're coming from me; he'll guide you. Plantia is a picturesque planet, neighboring Esmentia. You'll have fewer problems there than here.
A silence followed. They continued to walk slowly through the already devastated city. The Captain's wound was inexorably slowing them down.
"Why do you keep helping me?"
"You're from the Academy. You're currently the only one who can prevent Zars from annihilating the entire Moon and its inhabitants. You can get the Academy and Siirus involved."
"It's actually a noble cause..."
"Not everyone here is a criminal. There are innocent families and children. They are the ones who deserve to be saved."
"But we still need to get to the Ship," she murmured.
They continued to walk for about thirty minutes, and she didn't remember it taking this long on the way there. So, she decided to contact Cavah.
"Pilot?" she said, using the earpiece. "Why is it taking so long to get back? I don't remember taking this route on the way here."
"Your pilot's name is Pilot?"
"Let's say yes..."
"Spirit keeps changing the route to avoid patrols. There are a lot more of them than we thought," Cavah replied.
"Damn."
"What's going on?" Fr'ehe asked.
"At this rate, we won't reach the ship before nightfall."
"You won't survive a night without medical care."
"What's going on?!" Cavah exclaimed upon hearing Fr’ehe's remark.
"Ha, no need to shout..."
"I didn't shout," said Fr’ehe, confused.
"Not you, my pilot."
"Why did Pilot shout?"
"Pilot?"
"Because I'm injured."
"Did you tell him my name is Pilot?" Cavah asked incredulously.
"No, yes, it's a misunderstanding."
"A misunderstanding?" Fr’ehe asked.
"Not you."
"You're talking to Pilot."
"Yes."
"My name is not Pilot," mumbled Cavah.
"That's enough, guide us to the Ship, damn it!"
"Okay, okay... Just keep following the path on your Bracelet."
"We need to arrive before nightfall, Pilot," added Fr’ehe, even if we have to run into patrols.
Then followed a long silence. Cavah didn't say a word as he updated the route. Skylar, Fr’ehe, and he all remained silent. Everywhere they walked, there was only debris. Zetania, once so beautiful, was now nothing more than a vast field of ruins. What surprised Fr’ehe and gave him a little hope was that there were very few bodies.
Skylar closed her eyes for a moment and lost consciousness. In her weakened state, she absolutely couldn't fall asleep. Fr'ehe caught her and shook her to wake her up. She looked pale. They needed to get back to the Ship as soon as possible, or she wouldn't survive.
She was far too weak, but she held on. Cavah kept quiet, impatient to finally arrive.
The map on her Bracelet was still being updated. The route Spirit had chosen was strangely calm, with no patrols in sight. But the sound of gunfire surrounded them at times. Fr'ehe and Skylar had seen only a few ships take off since they had left the hotel, and that didn't bode well. Skylar was the last person capable of helping the Zetanians. Siirus and the Academy had no idea what was happening here.
A long Earth hour passed before they finally arrived at Skylar's ship's location. Fr’ehe had seen many ships in his life, even cargo ships, but this was the first time he had seen an Academy ship. Due to his illegal activities, he had always avoided authorities. Today, he had one with him. But he had no choice if he wanted Siirus to come to Zetania.
He stopped for a moment and glanced at Skylar. She was even paler, and she would soon faint again.
"We're here, Captain," he said, shaking her slightly.
Skylar didn't have time to respond before the main door of the ship opened loudly. Cavah. Fr’ehe was surprised to see Cavah coming out of the ship and stood dumbfounded for a few seconds.
"So, this is Pilot," he commented to Skylar as Cavah descended toward them. "Everything makes sense now."
"I'm sorry I kept this information from you, but you understand why I couldn't tell you anything..."
"I understand."
Cavah had come down to them and had taken over from Fr’ehe to help Skylar. He held her firmly as they slowly made their way back into the ship. They stopped at the entrance and turned to the Zetanian.
"Come with us," Skylar said weakly. "Plantia is neighboring Esmentia; you can see your family again..."
"I can't. My family is safe, but that's not the case for the Moon's inhabitants. I can help them."
"I see."
"Go while you still can, but I'm counting on you, Captain, to inform Siirus. I hope I haven't made a mistake by helping you.
"You have my word, Fr’ehe."
They bid farewell to each other. Fr’ehe watched the ship for a moment before it finally took off, raising clouds of dust.
"Douar, can you hear me?" Fr’ehe said, taking out his communicator. "Douar ?"
"More or less," replied a voice amid crackling.
"Were you able to leave?"
"Yes, I'm... around... the planet..."
"Repeat."
"I... in orbit around the..."
"An Academy ship just took off. It's going to Plantia; I want you to get there before it does."
"Without you? that's insane..."
"It's an order, Douar. The Captain is going to Plantia, I told you! they'll find Julius; you need to find him before they do."
"What for?"
"They're looking for the Clan of Maginas."
"Oh... Understood. Why don't... come with us?"
"I can't. But you can. Hopefully, the Academics will never find Maginas."
"Understood."
Fr’ehe ended the call. He couldn't leave himself, but he could guide those who could. Hopefully, the Academicians would never find Maginas.
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