Back on Helios, the other five Ravens sat in a beautiful artificial sun-lit room and chatted lightly with each other. They were seated on two semi-circular couches that were facing each other, and with a low table in between. Except, one spot was empty. Amal stared at it listlessly as the others
“I really don’t know who to trust right now, honestly,” said Xylo. “If anyone, trust in us,” said Amal. “We’re always here for each other, and you can count on that.” The others quickly agreed with Amal using nods and murmurs and smiles. Claire playfully nudged her with an elbow. “I do trust all
One Month Later The Grand Hall’s main floor was filled to the brim with Peacekeepers. Over two thousand of them were lined up in orderly rows and watched as the promotion ceremony unfolded in front of them. Each of the Peacekeepers wore their spotless white dress uniforms, which also displayed the
He nodded at Seraph, and encouraged him to continue. “Sure, the Core Systems are strong,” Seraph continued. “And the Inner Sector’s also relatively peaceful. But everywhere else is weak. Lawlessness plagues the Federation in the Outer Systems and the Colonial Territories. There, criminals and pirat
“Of course not. But certain limitations have been lifted. Limitations regarding apprehension, use of force, due process. If we adhere strictly to Helios protocol, we’ll get shot down and killed instantly. Out in the wastes, we gotta be smarter, more flexible. You get me?” He looked around and saw a
Planet Huxley, Purgatory System, Federal Colonial Territories Huxley was a rocky, mineral-rich planet whose surface was dotted with multiple settlements, all of which were focused on mining out its precious resources. The land itself was all-encompassing, had beautiful mountain ranges, rolling hill
“Council’s in session,” he explained. Claire peeked behind him, and saw that instead of a single mayor’s office, the square was instead surrounded by what looked like small embassies. Each one had the logo and colors of every company in the settlement itself. It looked as though everyone who worke
Xylo sped forward as quickly and quietly as she could towards the two unassuming corporate guards. They were both completely unaware of her existence, even as they patrolled lazily down a dark and dusty mineshaft tunnel. She came up behind them, grabbed one by the neck, and yanked backwards with al