Бесплатный фрагмент - Ghost

Part IV. Ghost

Chapter 1. Ghost

«Serena?» Wolfin’s voice sounded from her earpiece. «We need to talk to you.»

Serena felt her eyes filling with tears once again. She switched off the communication device and turned to her other side, feeling the faint scent of Hunter’s skin still embedded in the sheets where he used to lay.

She cursed herself for not being able to push him aside. It was supposed to be her, not him being torn apart. She, at least, could have grown back the lost limbs. Hunter, even if the chimera would have left his body, would not be able to survive. Not after the massive blood loss he suffered after losing his leg and arm in such a brutal way.

And facing Wolfin and Lindon every day after all that was making everything worse. Especially after she fell prey to the maddening rage that took over, forcing her to destroy a whole planet, which used to be Falana’s refuge.

Two Veluthian men weren’t supposed to see her so broken — they’ve already seen her broken enough. Others too — Laneth and Kayla, Cipher and Pher — all of them had her snapping back at them during the first few days. This wasn’t how a Captain should be acting — and Serena knew that.

So every time she walked out of her quarters she always had a couple of shots of the strongest sedative she ever made — the same one she used when they dined at the Palace with Empress Alathea after Serena was released from prison.

Having the sedative helped her to remain cold and distant and not lash out at the attempts the crew made towards her to comfort and console her. Most of the time she didn’t even talk to them or even look at them, and she knew that it made them feel helpless.

But some days it was harder for her to get out of bed at all — just like this one. At times like these usually either Wolfin or Lindon — or both — would come to plead her to go out at all.

And she wasn’t even feeling strong enough to get up.

All she needed was some time to grieve and some peace and quiet.

Lyssa kept sending her updates on the investigation and what Lindon was doing as active in command, but Serena almost never checked those logs, wishing to be just left alone.

«Serena, please…» Lindon forced the AI to pass his message through the doors communication system. «We need to talk…»

The woman forced herself up and out of bed, stumbling into the bathroom. Before washing her face she gave herself a shot of sedative.

It took her a few very long minutes to give her pale face some semblance of being fine. Pulling up her trousers, she almost forgot about boots. After getting dressed, she clasped her belt on — littered with ready to use syringes of sedative and gave herself another shot before unwillingly walking out.

Though she wasn’t looking up, she knew — Wolfin and Lindon didn’t go far and waited her to walk up.

«Serena…» Lindon reached out to her, but the woman silently walked past, indifferent to everything that surrounded her.

She knew very well that if she were to stop eating or even getting out of her quarters, these two could actually force Lyssa to open the door and would easily drag her out of bed. Both Wolfin and Lindon cared for her too much to allow her to stay all alone.

Serena felt someone stopping her with an embrace, and froze, allowing the man to hold her tightly. She was grateful that the double dose of the sedative was strong enough not to let her eyes fill with tears again.

«We’re here for you.» Wolfin’s voice sounded by her side, quiet and worried.

«I know.» Serena pushed an answer out of herself for the first time in all these days.

She hated the sound of her voice — low and raspy — but knew that it was a result of her crying for so long every day. That was one of the reasons she didn’t want to speak to anyone at all.

Lindon slowly freed her from his arms and stepped back, trying to catch her gaze, but failed, as she was looking at the floor. The woman felt his warm palm on her cheek, but couldn’t force herself to raise her eyes.

With a faint sigh, Lindon stepped aside and Serena continued her way towards the dining area, even though she felt no hunger at all. Over the days that passed all she could make herself eat would be enough to feed a puppy, not a full-grown woman, so it wasn’t surprising how worried Wolfin and Lindon were, watching her peck at the tiny portions and water them down with a glass of alcohol each time.

«We have updates on Falana.» Wolfin said when they all sat down behind the table.

Serena kept silent, looking at her plate and seemingly indifferent to everything they had to say.

«She was seen on one of the trading stations in Sector 459-B.» Lindon glanced at the woman in an attempt to see any sort of reaction.

Though she heard the name of the woman who was the reason for Hunters demise, Serena didn’t feel anything inside. She wasn’t sure if it was the result of her sedative shots or the absolute burnt out soul after losing her beloved, but for some reason she really had nothing to say to the news.

«We’ll arrive tomorrow.» Wolfin exchanged glances with Lindon.

They didn’t get a reply, and fell silent, understanding that Serena didn’t want to speak.

Over the days she was like this they got used to this uncomfortable, heavy silence between them. The only thing that made them a bit calmer was the fact she wasn’t pushing them away and sat there, eating, though she could have as well been locked up at her quarters like she was for the first week after Hunter’s death.

Wolfin understood her most of all — he lost his wife and son, and remembered the way he was for the first two months after that. First weeks were a blur as he tried his best to grieve, when every person seemed like they were eager to get punched just for talking to him.

The man reached out and carefully took Serena’s palm in his, squeezing it gently.

«We’ll get through this, Scorpi.» he said to her. «I promise you.»

Serena flinched a bit, throwing a quick glance to his hand on hers, but remained silent. Wolfin sighed and let her go, not wishing to push her patience further.

The woman felt herself so lost, even though she was supposed to be wishing to kill Falana. But all she could think about is how she saw Hunter being torn limb from limb in front of her eyes.

She had lost people before, but never had she felt so hollow and incapable of doing anything. Maybe, if she was given enough time to grieve on her own, she could have forced back her rage and the wish to kill Falana for what she had done. But she couldn’t. Wolfin and Lindon kept bugging her — time and time again asking, begging her to come out of her quarters.

Serena couldn’t sleep that night, wondering if she would be able to find any solace even if they track down Falana. She was obviously of no help — her mind turning blank every time she tried to even see what updates her crew has come up with. And she definitely couldn’t trust herself if they encounter Falana. Serena could equally fall prey to rage or freeze, remembering the smirk on the woman’s face when Hunter died in the chimera’s maw.

By the time morning came she already made up her mind. She had to do something. But she wasn’t sure if she will be able to. Serena walked up to the window, seeing her ship approaching the station. The space station was vast — much bigger than most — capable of holding a few hundreds of ships from all over. It had twenty levels, each separated by gravitational engines that allowed the people inside to walk and operate without having to bother about the zero gravity of space.

One of the most promising traits this station had was the number of people to get lost among, and the variety of paths Serena could take. She would definitely have options.

The woman looked aside to the small backpack of things she gathered up, and took a moment to think if what she was about to do was the right thing. It took her the whole of last night to think over, and she already activated the short protocol she wrote for Lyssa to follow after she would go, but something still scratched at the back of her mind.

Finally, the ship docked and Serena thought that she wasn’t even useful on board anymore. She needed time to grieve and a little solitude to get her head back together. But she wouldn’t be able to find it on Lyssa — that she knew for sure.

Activating her armour, she picked up the backpack and clasped it to the plates, uniting the systems. Before she left her quarters, she switched on her cloaking device, slipping away unnoticed.

The bustling station had so many traders and people that it was easy to get lost in the crowd and deactivate her invisibility and armour safely. Not wasting any time, Serena found a ship heading out and bought herself a ticket among other passengers seeking passage elsewhere.

Within an hour she was off the station.

The tiny cabin provided in this ship was shared with five other passengers — three women, a man and a child. None of them really engaged in conversations, knowing very well that sometimes it is best to keep silent and not ask many questions from strangers.

However, children are always curious, and so was the little boy that watched the strange white-haired woman for a bit before approaching her cot and smiling to her when she looked up.

The boy was barely thirteen old, and had a ruffled mane of dirty blond hair that fell to his eyes.

«Hi! I’m Norren.» he said. «What’s your name?»

«I have no name.» the woman replied, her face as cold and expression-less as it was back on her ship for the past days.

«So… what do people call you when you cross paths?»

Serena took a moment to think and exhaled:

«Ghost.»

«Cool!» his eyes flared up with excitement. «Such a cool name!»

«Norren, honey, don’t bother the passengers!» one of the women pleaded.

Serena glanced at her and shook her head, trying hard to remain calm and collected. To her the boy was a distraction from the heavy thoughts that filled her head as soon as she sat down.

«What do you do for a living, Ghost?» the boy sat down next to her.

«I’m… a fighter.» Serena sighed. «I fight for money.»

«Funny… I always thought fighters have lots of tattoos…» Norren glanced at her arms.

«I still hadn’t decided what tattoos I want, so… maybe I’ll get them when I get to my destination.»

«How many fights have you had?»

«One on one? A lot.»

«And how many did you win?»

Serena looked at the child and wondered if her reply sounded like a lie:

«All of them.»

«No way!»

«Aw, come on!» the man chuckled. «There’s no way you won every single fight!»

«I’m strong.» Serena forced a smirk to her face. «And fast.»

The man cackled and sat at the tiny table they had in the corner, offering her his hand.

«How about we arm wrestle? I’m a strong man, so don’t think I’ll be easy to defeat.» he said.

«Papa’s the best in arm wrestling where we come from!» Norren said proudly.

Serena got up and walked over, sitting down on the opposite of the man, clasping her hand with his palm.

«Ready?» the man asked her.

Serena nodded and felt him immediately pushing. But to her it was barely worth effort to tense up. A moment passed, then two, and the man’s bravado faded, his face turning surprised. He tensed up, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, but still couldn’t budge her arm from upward position.

The woman tilted her head:

«You are strong. But not as strong as I am.» effortlessly she moved her arm and forced his down.

«Holy shit! What did they feed you when you were little, Ghost?» the man looked at her shocked when she freed his palm.

Serena decided not to answer.

Chapter 2. Shock

«Serena!» Lindon pounded on the door, growing angry at the woman for being locked up for so long. «Damn it, open the door! It’s been five days!»

The door silently slid open to his surprise and Lindon glanced in, noting how dark it was inside.

«Serena?» he called out.

Silence seemed so heavy and so still that he walked in, searching for any sign of the woman.

However, her bed was empty and the bathroom stood open, with Serena nowhere in sight.

«Lyssa, where is she?» Lindon barked.

«Serena Dal Thara-Lyss is not on board, Active Captain Lindon.» the AI replied.

A wave of shock came over the Veluthian and he darted away.

«Everyone to the bridge, NOW!» Lindon ordered through his earpiece.

«What the hell, Lindon?» Wolfin’s voice returned in irritation.

«Don’t ask, just come to the bridge now!»

Running into the bridge, Lindon jumped onto one of the seats, immediately opening the ships logs to see when Serena left to find out if they would be able to find her.

«Explain yourself!» Kayla said, as she was approaching together with Laneth and Wolfin.

«Serena’s gone!» Lindon hissed. «And since we’ve been on four stops in the last five days, I have no idea when she slipped away!»

«What do you mean she’s gone?» Laneth was shocked to hear their Captain leaving.

Even though the mechanic rarely saw Serena lately, mostly trying to bury herself in work in the engineering bay on more and more stuff she could present to the Captain later, she still tried to at least ask about her well-being every time she saw the Veluthians. For the past few days she heard that Serena wasn’t answering, but none of them thought she could have left at all.

Wolfin hurried over, seeing what Lindon was doing.

«Lyssa, how long had she been gone?» Wolfin asked the AI.

«I am not allowed to say.» the ship replied.

«Laneth, see if you can deactivate the protocol Serena must have put in to help her escape.»

Laneth exchanged glances with Kayla and sat down at one of the working stations, with the girl looking over her shoulder to learn what she was doing. A few moments passed, but the talented mechanic that knew quite a bit couldn’t break through the intricate code Serena had in the protocol to protect herself.

The woman leaned back, frowning, and decided to try a different approach:

«Lyssa… is Serena not on board for more than four days?»

«Yes.»

The Veluthians glanced at Laneth and saw her frowning.

«So if she slipped away back at the Dahaarn trading station, she could be anywhere by this moment.» the mechanic sighed. «Right, Lyssa?»

«According to my calculations, any of the ships that were docked there and left the station while we were investigating could be anywhere in the known Human Universe at the moment.» the AI replied. «Considering she could have changed ships every day, or every other day, there are thousands of possibilities to her destination.»

Wolfin gritted his teeth:

«Right now I regret letting Cipher go to chase another lead…»

«And what could he have done?» Lindon barked. «None of us noticed and he what, would have?»

«What are we going to do?» Laneth closed her eyes with her palm.

Kayla put her little hand on the woman’s shoulder. The girl already told them all that they shouldn’t have touched Serena, forcing her out of her quarters all the time. Unlike all of them, Kayla felt like their Captain needed some time to be left alone. But no one ever listened to her, doing what they thought was best.

The girl sighed, realising that if only she were a bit older, then, maybe, her words would have more weight among the crew. She hoped Serena was okay.

Even though the woman barked at her that day when they lost Falana’s trace, Kayla never felt offended — she was scared a bit, but only until she learned that Hunter got killed in the scuffle they experienced on the planet. Knowing how greatly the woman loved the man, Kayla knew that it wasn’t at all easy for her to lose someone who meant so much.

«Lyssa!» Wolfin barked so loud that it made Kayla flinch.

«Yes?» the AI replied.

«Send message to SS Growler to meet with us ASAP! Set up a meeting point at…» the Veluthian checked with their list of places they were checking in search for any news about Falana. «The Parati. Tell them we’ll be waiting for them.»

«Sending message…»

«And you expect us to what? Sit around and wait?» Lindon growled.

«And what are we supposed to do, huh, Lindon? What do you propose we do? Do you have any idea where Serena might have gone?»

«Stop it, please!» Kayla pleaded.

The men turned to the girl and saw her eyes filled with tears. Wolfin took a very deep breath and stepped up to her, lowering to his knee and meeting her gaze:

«I’m sorry, little bug…» he sighed.

«Please, don’t fight!» the girl sobbed, feeling her soul aching for the family she found among these men and women on the ship she started to call home.

«We’re just worried for our Captain, Kayla.» Laneth pat the girl on her shoulder. «That’s all.»

«I understand! But this is not the way to do things!» Kayla raised her voice, crying. «Serena would never want this! Not like this!»

Lindon watched the girl, realising that even though she usually wasn’t really seen or heard, always silently following someone — mostly Laneth — for the first time she drew attention of them all. And, most importantly, it was the first time the man saw her crying.

In a sudden realisation he understood that Serena might have run because they didn’t give her enough time to cry and grieve over Hunter’s demise. After all, they didn’t even have anything left of the man for her to be able to say goodbye and have a funeral.

Perhaps, he thought, Serena ran, because she needed closure that she wasn’t able to get among them.

Turning back to the working station, Lindon couldn’t shake off the feeling that they’ve failed Serena when she needed them the most.

Arriving at Parati they’ve parked their ship in the massive space port and began waiting for the arrival of SS Growler. Their partners came a day later — a bit dishevelled and tense, they debriefed the crew of SS Lyssandra on the facts they’ve managed to uncover in their investigation.

Cipher wasn’t really surprised to see Serena not amongst them, but when he heard that she ran off, his demeanour changed in a split second.

«She what?!?» he screamed, jumping from his seat from behind the table.

«She left, Cipher.» Wolfin sighed, seeing how pale Cipher became.

He knew the two men from SS Growler were friends with Hunter for a long time and have been dealing with losing him as well — only, they did it by drinking and remembering all the fights they’ve gotten into together ever since they came to know him.

«When? Why?!» Cipher exhaled, realising that their investigation was the only thing that actually kept him going and since they lost Hunter it was his straw to stay sane.

That and the fact he knew Serena wanted to find the bitch that killed her lover and their friend.

«Any idea where she might be?» Pher asked, grunting with disapproval. «Any of those places we’ve been to where she ran off to fight?»

«I don’t think she’ll be there, Pher.» Lindon said, feeling hollow. «She ran to be alone. She’ll find a new place to get the solace she needs.»

«Fuck!» Cipher gritted his teeth.

«The reason I called you for a meeting is because we have to decide if we need to find Serena as much as we do — Falana.» Wolfin shook his head. «We can’t do both. But if we go after Serena, we might give Falana a chance to find new hideouts and new resources to utilise.»

«You’re wrong, Wolfin…» Laneth took a sip of wine, which she preferred to drink whenever they discussed business.

«In what way?» the Veluthian shot a heavy gaze at the woman.

Laneth sighed, leaning back on her seat and raised her eyes:

«I might not be as good a programmer as Serena, but I had some time to see how her protocols are made.» she said. «I can write a protocol to utilise the ship’s scanning systems to intersect messages and info from passing ships. If any of those have any mention of Serena or a woman similar, we’ll know. This won’t make us searching for her directly, but will allow us to keep an eye out for her, wherever she went.»

«So you’re proposing we continue chasing Falana and leave the search for our Captain to your ship?» Cipher growled.

«Both our ships, Cipher.» Laneth shrugged. «We’ve split up to cover more space in search for the bitch… if we do so again, we’ll have advantage, because every ship that passes yours and ours will be scanned for messages, articles, news of any kind that mention Serena or someone who looks like her.»

«And you’re sure you can write a protocol this sophisticated?» Pher asked.

«I’ll help her.» Lindon nodded. «I have some experience in searching for people in outer space, I know a bit how to make a protocol like that. Though, usually, it wasn’t my job to write them.»

«Any help will be appreciated. Because I have no idea how long it might take me.» Laneth shook her head.

«I suggest we start right now, because the more time we waste, the further away both Serena and Falana might go…» Wolfin sighed.

Chapter 3. Silver

Daruta. The smallest planet in the Laithorian Empire.

It’s most prominent niche of export was always related to growing many different fruits and vegetables, collected from all over the known Universe. Everything that was safe for human consumption was grown on its vast fields and farming factories and processed into a vast variety of goods. But the population wasn’t just farmers, as they were raised in the very same harsh environment as Veluthians — a bit easier to tolerate, but still allowing the natural mutations to strengthen the bodies of those who were once descendants of Terrans. The artificial DNA alterations did the rest.

Darutan people were just as focused on the military upbringing and valued fighting skills. That is why any major city had a whole plethora of fighting clubs where everyone could test their strength. The most promising fighters could easily find a professional fight coordinator to take care of them if they wished to fight for a living.

This club wasn’t one of the biggest, but it was proud to present some of the strongest fighters among people living in the area.

This woman was a newbie. She just moved in somewhere near and chose this club solely because the few fights she saw while drinking, made her think she could fit right in.

«Today we have our weekly open cage night! All you newbies and brawlers can test your skills and vigour challenging others to a fight! And if you are lucky, you might walk away with a hefty sum of prize money! Get your fists ready and sign up, because places are limited, ladies and gentlemen!» the coordinator announced aloud, his voice reverberating all throughout the club.

The woman moved towards the cage, where a couple of Darutans signed up anyone who wanted to partake in the fights for a small entrance fee and also took care of placing the bets.

«What’s your bet, girl?» a sleek-looking man smiled up at the woman.

«Don’t call me girl, asshole.» the woman put a stack of chips that represented the funds she wanted to bet. «This is my fee to fight and a bet on myself.»

The man squinted, watching her with his light brown eyes.

«You’ll fight a woman.» he said, taking her money.

«I don’t care who I’ll fight. Just give me someone strong, who can take a punch!» she gritted her teeth.

«What’s your name, girl?»

The woman leaned in close, squinting:

«Silver Ghost. And I’ll turn you into one if you call me girl one more time.»

«Alright, Ghost. Wait until we call on you.» the man winked. «Call me Pauliss.»

Ghost scowled and walked aside, grabbing a receipt from him.

She walked over to the bar and grabbed a drink, watching the coordinators finishing up preparations and deciding on the pairings. As the choices were finalised, the names appeared on the screen, showing the opponents.

First fight was announced and started, and Ghost stood watching indifferently at the pair circling and cautiously approaching each other. She was bored while watching others fighting, and by the time her name was called, she was already feeling the buzz of alcohol in her head. Still, she approached the cage and walked in, knowing that whoever she sees in there, probably won’t be strong enough to quench her bloodthirst.

She hoped that the amount she had to drink would help her not fall prone to a fit of rage.

Her opponent was a woman, but not as cautious as the fighters in the previous fights. Ghost met her approach straight up, blocking the heavy blow aimed at her, and realised that this dance won’t be long — the opponent would be winded soon, if left unchecked.

«Boring.» Ghost sighed, swirling with her body and catching her opponent with a series of punches and kicks.

As she straightened, landing one hefty punch from downside up, the woman in front of her swayed, but stayed standing, her arms hung by her sides.

Ghost tilted her head and saw the woman swaying harder and falling flat on her back.

Not amused by the easy — and quick — win, Ghost walked out and heard someone walking up.

«You’re fast…» a woman’s voice sounded. «Ever fought in cages before?»

«I did. Elsewhere.» Ghost shrugged.

«Tell you what… if you win this open cage tournament, I can represent you. You have potential.»

Ghost glanced at the woman and saw a beautiful face with tanned skin and bright purple eyes. Her hair was a faint lavender colour, shimmering in the lighting of the club.

«Ghost.» the fighter offered her hand.

«Sierra.» the woman shook her hand. «Good luck.»

«I don’t need luck, Sierra. I have my fists and my skills.» Ghost shrugged, heading off.

She didn’t really care for any of the business that was related with the organisational side of the fights — she could easily be on her own. If one of the fighting coordinators laid her eyes on Ghost, it wasn’t of any significance.

Before Ghost entered the cage again, she managed to get even drunker. Her second opponent was a bit more interesting and kept her attention up until the finishing blow the woman landed to his face, throwing the man to the floor.

By the time she reached the ending fight of this open cage tournament, Sierra approached her again, promising her that she’ll have her represented even if she loses. Ghost didn’t reply, walking into the cage and wishing for the pain that haunted her to subside.

The last opponent brought her some semblance of calm, allowing her to have a couple of minutes of an interesting fight. Winning didn’t ease her pain and she didn’t even smile, when Sierra walked up, raising her hand up, announcing her as the winner.

Not really interested, Ghost agreed to be represented by the woman, understanding that it would be easier to find more interesting matches instead of the rookies she could challenge on her own.

Sierra introduced Pauliss — the very same man who was rude to Ghost when she was signing into the tournament — as her assistant and the fighter thought if that would bring any problems in the long run. Still, she signed the contract to be represented by Sierra and her local fighting career began, as she appeared in the club every week to fight whoever Sierra or Pauliss found for her.

Slowly getting into the routine, Ghost began to find some solace in the fact that she was no longer bothered by people to find out what she felt — Sierra and her assistant were more worried if she was able to fight. And that was no problem for her at all.

By the time a few weeks passed, Sierra understood the potential of having Ghost fighting more often and it was exactly what the woman fighter wanted.

Chapter 4. Trace

«Active Captain Lindon…» Lyssa’s voice tore Lindon out of his sleep.

«What is it?» the man growled.

«I believe you need to see this…» the AI said, switching on the screen near his bed.

Lindon wiped his face, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep from his eyes, and understand what exactly he was looking at.

On the screen was a short video of a fight going on in one of the many cages that were scattered all over the human colonies in the known Universe. In it was a very athletic woman, arms covered in intricate tattoos, and a large man. By the way both moved Lindon understood that they were both Veluthians — their manner of hand-to-hand combat was definitely belonging to that of Velutha.

«And what am I supposed to see here?» Lindon frowned, still barely awake.

«The female fighter is known as the Silver Ghost. Look at her closely.» the AI said.

Lindon squinted, studying the woman. Though she moved fast, he suddenly caught glimpse of her face and his jaw dropped.

«Serena…» he exhaled.

«Exactly.» Lyssa said. «This video was intercepted from a passing Laithorian Space Ship half an hour ago.»

«And it took you that long to wake me up?» Lindon jumped out of his bed, quickly getting some clothes on.

«I was scanning the ships logs for directions where it came from and what was the origin of this video. According to my analysis, the video came from Daruta, from one of the clubs located in the fighting district in Demogen city.»

Lindon darted out, immediately pommelling at Wolfin’s door:

«Wolfin! Get your ass up!» Lindon screamed.

The door slipped open to a very irritated looking man, who grasped at the sheet on his waist — a newly obtained habit since Kayla loved appearing at the most unexpected of times:

«What the fuck got you so riled up at this hour?» Wolfin growled.

«We found her!» Lindon nodded aside. «Get dressed, we’re going after her.»

Wolfin’s face lengthened, surprised to hear such news:

«Wait! You found Serena? Or Falana?»

«Serena! Get dressed! Meet me at the bridge!» Lindon hurried away. «Lyssa! Connect me to Cipher!»

«Yes, sir!» the AI replied.

As Lindon ran over to the bridge, he was already anticipating seeing Serena again. He didn’t care for her reasoning behind leaving them — he knew very well what urged her to do that. But what he was more worried about was the fact that she left when she needed them most.

Within half an hour the crew of MSS Lyssandra was gathered and ready for the jump. And SS Growler was notified of the new development and sent the information — in case Cipher and his crew won’t be able to follow up on their own chase and search for Falana and her associates.

And though Lindon and Wolfin were eager to find Serena, Laneth was hesitant, understanding that their Captain might still be hurting from the loss they took from their last encounter with Falana.

The woman glanced at Kayla, who followed her even though the girl was still half-asleep. The child lay curled up on Laneth’s lap and fell back into slumber, but for some reason Laneth knew what the girl could say.

Over the time that passed, she heard it more than once — Kayla made it evident that she knew the reasons for Serena’s disappearance.

«When we arrive, Laneth…» Lindon caught the mechanic’s gaze. «I will need you to help Lyssa sift through the articles and reports on the fighting clubs in Demogen.»

Laneth nodded, accepting her role. If she could — she would help them in any way she could, however unsure she was of their wish to get Serena back.

Perhaps, she thought, it was better for Serena to grieve on her own. Perhaps, this way she didn’t need the sedatives she’s been using while she was still aboard the ship.

But she kept those thoughts to herself, realising that the Veluthian men probably won’t listen to her — just like they didn’t listen to Kayla, when she asked them to leave Serena be for some time.

Arriving in Daruthian orbit, Laneth kept thinking that Serena must have chosen this planet for a reason. This way she could easily send them word whenever she would be feeling better — after all, they did visit Velutha from time to time to see if there were any updates from the Empress’ men.

Laneth still felt a pinch of guilt, knowing they never told the Empress that Serena was nowhere near MSS Lyssandra for the past couple of months. Though, this wasn’t an issue — at least, not to Laneth’s knowledge.

Undergoing the usual check and passing it easily — this was thanks to the Imperial decree that allowed them to visit any planet within the Laithorian Empire without any sophisticated checks or usual questions about their business — they descended to Demogen city and rented a parking plot in the nearest space port. With the Decree and available funds they could stay there as long as they liked — most of the rental price was always covered due to them being in direct employ of the Empress.

Laneth glanced at the Veluthians and for a moment thought if she could persuade them to wait and, perhaps, allow her to talk to Serena instead. Seeing how tense the men were, she decided to keep quiet — the two were obviously in no mood to discuss the matter further.

With a sigh, the woman caressed Kayla’s hair, watching her sleeping, and thinking about how drastic their life became with the job they found themselves on. If it weren’t for Falana and her crazy experiments — Hunter would have still been alive. And Serena could still be happy.

«Laneth!» Lindon’s voice made her flinch and Kayla grumbled through her sleep.

«Yes?» the woman raised her eyes to the man.

She saw him looking straight at her with a frown:

«Start sifting through the media to find traces of Serena. We need to know which club she’s fighting in.»

«Yes, sir.»

«Stay on comms and let us know when Cipher will get here.» Lindon slapped Wolfin’s shoulder and the men headed out.

Laneth nodded, knowing they were going to try and ask around the city in search for Serena — just to stay busy, so that their worry won’t become an issue if they’d be staying on board of the ship.

Chapter 5. Stalkers

«Do you see her?» Wolfin’s voice sounded in Lindon’s earpiece.

«She turned by Link’s Market, heading west.» the Veluthian walked far back, but trying to keep himself inconspicuous.

As he turned, he saw Serena purchasing something at one of the vendors, and continuing her path — her steps slow, as if she didn’t care at all if anyone was watching or possibly following her.

Lindon felt horrible seeing the woman slouched, and her head down. It was as if she didn’t even want to look up from the street. Still, he wanted to approach her, but allowed Wolfin to persuade him to fall back and watch her for a bit before doing that.

For two days they watched her, learning that she was fighting at the club and then simply returning to her home. And by the things she’s been buying every evening, Lindon could make the assumption that she either ate very little, or not at all. This made his heart ache for the woman even more.

On the third day, after watching her fight a bulky opponent in the cage, they finally decided to approach the woman. They split up just in case — Wolfin heading towards her apartment building ahead, while Lindon stayed back, waiting to follow her home.

He saw her usual slow walk back, her short stop at one of the grocery stores and her purchase — a couple of bottles of alcohol and something that resembled a pack of dried fruits.

Walking behind her Lindon thought if she was feeling any better in the life she found on Daruta. Deep inside he hoped she would be happy to see them. But he also feared that she would push them away.

Seeing Serena disappearing on the stairs that lead up, Lindon saw Wolfin glancing out from behind a corner and hurried to him.

«Fifth floor. Apartment 537.» the man reminded him.

«Did you see anyone else there?» Lindon looked up.

«No. So… do we approach now? Or do you want to wait a little more?»

Lindon pressed his lips together and gestured to him to follow, heading up the stairs. They ascended the stairs to the fifth floor and walked up to the door, marked 537, but for a few moments Lindon seemed to be hesitant if he should press the button that hailed the resident inside. Wolfin, however, sighed and pressed it, seeing the man deep in his thoughts.

It took a few long moments before the door slid open and they saw the woman. Her face was covered in bruises from the fight she had, she was dressed only in a tank top and panties and obviously drunk. Leaning over the wall next to the door, she grimaced, seeing them at her door. Taking a swig from a bottle in her hand, she turned without a word and went back inside, leaving the door open. Lindon shook off his shock first, stepping into the small, almost cramped apartment that was littered with empty alcohol bottles. The helper-bot that was supposed to be keeping the apartment clean lay in the corner — smashed to pieces.

Wolfin stepped in a moment later, pressing the door to close, and stood a bit at the entrance, feeling his heart aching for his named daughter.

Serena plopped down onto the couch and took a cigarette, lighting it. She didn’t look at the men, but her face — which was now as expressionless, as when they parted — was aimed at the only piece of evidence that the woman before them was really Serena.

She was looking at a photographic frame, where she and her crew were standing happy — with her kissing Hunter.

«Serena…» Lindon approached her and kneeled down next to the woman.

She shook her head:

«That’s not my name anymore.» she said quietly. «I’m Ghost.»

«Please don’t say that…»

«Why not, huh?» she suddenly grimaced in anger. «Why the fuck not? Why can’t I grieve in the way I can at least cope with the loss? I know you’re not grieving — you’re obviously happy he’s gone! Now you can pursue your dream to make me yours!»

«That’s not how it is, Serena…» Lindon felt hurt by her words, but knew that she was saying that only because she couldn’t let go of Hunter’s death.

«We all lost him, Scorpi.» Wolfin stepped up. «He was a good friend to all of us. So don’t…»

She emptied the bottle in a big sip and threw it aside, taking a deep breath of the aromatic smoke from her cigarette. Wolfin suddenly realised that the cigarettes she was smoking weren’t the plain type, carrying a slight tint of some herbs that were usually offered as sedatives when someone was hurt.

«Don’t what, Woofy?» Serena asked angrily. «Don’t what?»

She leaned with her elbows on her knees and grasped at her head, closing her eyes in an attempt to keep her tears from bursting.

«I tried.» she exhaled shakily. «I really did. I tried to cope and live on. And I can’t… I can’t… I didn’t even have anything left of him… You have no idea how much it hurts… and how many times I’ve climbed up to the last floor of this building, sitting on the edge and contemplating if I should just let myself fall…»

Lindon reached out and touched her leg, offering her a bit of comfort, but she seemed to have not noticed this.

«I can’t be there anymore. I can’t be on the ship and walk the corridors where he walked before… I can’t…» Serena finally let her tears flow down her cheeks. «Go. I’m not leaving. If you’re so eager to get me back, check in with me in a year. Maybe by that time, if I’m still alive, I’ll be somewhat ready to move on. But not now.»

Wolfin gritted his teeth:

«Serena, please don’t…»

«Serena, what about the bitch that killed him?» Lindon asked. «Don’t you want to kill her for what she did?»

He saw her grimacing from pain, and felt his heart stop for a couple of moments from the realisation he brought back the memory of what happened to Hunter that day.

«Leave!» Serena suddenly screamed, raising her eyes to the man. «Now!»

«Serena…» Lindon said, hoping to talk her out of this.

The woman darted up, grabbing his clothes and shoving away from her:

«Leave now, before I throw you out!»

Wolfin put his palm onto Lindon’s shoulder and sighed:

«Let’s go, Lindon.»

The men shook their heads and walked out, hearing the woman crashing the empty bottles — no doubt, in search of one that was full. As soon as the door closed behind them, they stepped to the railing of the long walkway.

«I can’t leave her like this.» Lindon said, feeling his eyes filling with tears for the pain that Serena was experiencing.

«We’re not leaving.» Wolfin said, growling. «Not just yet. The ship and the crew need their captain. And our Captain needs her crew.»

Chapter 6. Unexpected

Serena sat on the bench, looking at her fists. She was supposed to be getting ready for a fight, but all she could think about was the visit she received two days ago. Ever since Wolfin and Lindon appeared on her doorstep, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that wherever she would run, the two will always find a way to trace her down and find her.

She hoped they took her advice to leave her alone, but she also knew that they probably stayed around to watch her for the time being — hoping she would change her mind, no less. Serena really didn’t want them to be in her life at that moment.

«You’re sure you want to fight this cyborg that came in?» her fighting manager Sierra walked into the room, glancing at the Silver Ghost with worry.

«I don’t care who it is I must fight. Just get me into the cage.» Serena didn’t even look up.

«Tell me you’re sober, at least?»

Serena sighed, looking up, and didn’t answer, tilting her head to the side. Sierra ruffled her purple-dyed hair and grimaced:

«I swear! Sometimes I look at you and I think you’re not looking for a fight, but want to get yourself killed.»

«Does it matter? All the more entertaining for the crowd, all the more money for you.» Serena shook her head.

«It does matter, Ghost! I don’t care what your real name is or why you’re really here, but I can’t sit back and watch you kill yourself over… I don’t even know what!»

«Then don’t bother, Sierra. It’s my choice to be here. It’s your choice to represent me. Take it or leave it.»

Sierra took a really deep breath and shook her head once again:

«Fine. You do you, Ghost.» she stepped to the door. «I’ll send Pauliss to fetch you. Two minutes.»

When Sierra left, Serena glanced to her bag and took out a syringe, giving herself a shot of some sedatives — just in case, because she’s already had a couple of instances when her rage made her almost kill her opponents. She didn’t want to make that mistake again — mostly because she didn’t want Sierra to get into trouble. Throwing the syringe back inside, she stood and stretched, wondering if Pauliss will be flirting with her again. She hated the man — to her he was just a bastard who wanted to get a ride on the popularity Serena has gained over the two months she was fighting in the cage.

By the time Pauliss entered, she was warming up, hoping that the fight will be interesting enough.

«Ready, babe?» Pauliss made his usual attempt to slap her ass.

Serena caught his wrist and tightened her grip, meeting his gaze:

«How many times do I have to repeat myself, Pauliss?» she asked. «Or should I just break your arm for you to remember not to touch me?»

The man smiled and leaned in:

«I’ll stop only after you agree to spend the night with me, babe.»

The woman squinted:

«I’m allowing you to call me babe. That should be enough for you, asshole.» she said. «Don’t test my patience.»

She rudely pushed his hand away and headed out.

The woman heard the crowd chanting her name — the corridor that led to the cage filled with the muffled voices of Darutans cheering for her:

«Ghost! Ghost! Ghost!»

Serena closed her eyes, feeling the calmness before the fight. She didn’t care much for the people who loved seeing her fight in the cage. But hearing the crowd chanting her name made her remember the past. More than enough times she wished she could go back to the simpler times.

But that was an impossible dream.

She opened her eyes just as she was stepping out into the lights.

A couple of drones flew past — a usual sight for the club — and Serena aimed her eyes at the cage. The club was packed — lots of people came to see her fight. The woman walked into the cage and stopped in her corner, leaning over the bars that surrounded it. Even though she saw people before her eyes, she didn’t bother to give them a single thought, glance or any other sort of attention. She never cared for her fans.

A minute passed and Serena heard heavy footsteps behind her — her cyborg opponent walked into the cage, ready to meet her in combat.

Serena closed her eyes for a second, then opened them, ready to fight. She straightened, and turned to her opponent.

Immediately she felt her knees becoming weak and her breath escaping her throat.

In front of her stood Hunter — a little taller, a bit more massive than he used to be, augmented to the brim, flashing with a fully enhanced cybernetic body made in some matte dark metal, he watched her, but his face didn’t show a single emotion. It was as if he didn’t recognise her at all.

«Hunter?!» the woman breathed out.

The cyborg didn’t even flinch, continuing to watch her, expressionless.

She didn’t hear the sound starting the fight. She didn’t move when Hunter began approaching. She watched him, shocked and not believing her eyes, until he walked up close enough.

«Hunter!» she whispered, a smile crawling to her lips. «You’re… alive?»

The cyborg leaned in a bit, tilted his head and punched her.

The blow was so hard that Serena flew back, hitting the bars of the cage. The crowd around them roared, excited to see the fight.

«Hunter!» she gasped, straightening. «What are…»

He stepped up, landing another blow to her gut and making he gasp for air. His metal fingers grasped her short hair and jerked her up.

«Hunter…» the woman made yet another attempt to call to him.

The cyborg watched her without a single emotion in his blue eyes.

Serena felt his fist crashing into her ribs. The sharp pain immediately hit her, making her gasp for air, her lungs rapidly filling with blood. Another hit swept her off her feet, but the cyborg didn’t stop, kicking her in the gut and slamming her into the wall of the cage.

As the cyborg kneeled in, grabbing her clothes, Serena forced out:

«Hunter, please…»

Something in his face flinched, but only for a moment. He tilted his head, as emotionless, as before, and punched her in the face, knocking her out.

Straightening, he turned and left the cage, allowing for Pauliss to run in and check Serena’s pulse. The man threw her hand over his shoulder and dragged her out, hurrying into the locker rooms to get her some first aid.

Chapter 7. Near-Death

«Hunter…» Serena whispered, feeling blood trickling from her mouth.

She could barely hold her consciousness from slipping, dragged by someone through the streets towards her apartment. Fortunately, she lived quite close to the club.

«I’ll be whoever you wish, honey.» Pauliss chuckled, carrying her on his shoulder. «Just don’t die on me right now…»

He carried her to the fifth floor and opened her apartment, dragging her inside. The man threw down her bag and stepped towards the bedroom, but Serena finally tried to catch anything to stop him.

«No… Hunter…» she grabbed at the doorframe.

«Sure, whatever you say, pretty.» Pauliss pressed her to the wall, landing a kiss to her neck.

She felt so frail and incapable of moving her pained body, that couldn’t even push him away.

«Oh, I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for so long…» the man purred, caressing her body and making her bare her teeth in pain.

Suddenly the entrance door slid open and a man walked in, gritting his teeth.

Pauliss stepped away, surprised to see anyone appearing at such a time:

«Who the fuck are you? Get the fuck out!»

Serena slipped down to the floor, almost losing consciousness. Lindon growled, jolting to Pauliss and grabbing his clothes.

«And who the fuck do you think you are?» he asked. «She’s injured, and all you can think about is satisfying your lust for her?»

«Hey, I was doing what she asked for!» Pauliss tried talking himself out of this situation.

«Hunter…» Serena exhaled, trying hard to keep herself awake with the thought of Hunter being alive.

«See? Hunter! That’s me! I’m Hunter!»

«You have no honour!» Lindon threw Pauliss across the room, slamming him into the wall. «You’re not Hunter! Get out, before I break your neck!»

«Listen here, you jerk!» Pauliss straightened, angry at the stranger. «I don’t care who you think you are, but she’s mine!»

«Yeah, right! That’s why she’s calling someone else’s name!» Lindon walked up to Pauliss. «I know you’re not Hunter, you know you’re not Hunter. If you want, we can settle this the honourable way. A duel? Or would you prefer to leave intact, on your own and without any broken bones?»

Pauliss saw a very dark glint in the man’s eyes and raised his hands:

«Fine. I’m not Hunter. So what?»

«So… leave now, before I change my mind and break your arms for trying to take advantage of my fiancé!»

Pauliss’ face turned pale. He swallowed hard and hurried to exit the apartment, leaving the angry man with the heavily injured woman.

Lindon jolted to Serena, quickly getting out a portable medical scanner he took just in case, knowing how badly the woman could be hurt and saying that she’s fine. This time, however, he knew that even she would admit she was nowhere near fine.

«Shit!» Lindon shoved the scanner into his pocket and picked Serena up onto his arms.

Running out with her, he knew that the best way to help her was back at the ship, but it was parked ways away. He did, however, know about a small medical shop nearby, which operated as an emergency hospital for the locals.

Entering it, he was greeted by one of the medical pods activating and quickly lay down Serena inside, worried for her well-being. The pod came to life, scanning her for the injuries, and showing the extent of her wounds on the screen.

«Severe injuries detected. Administering first aid and healing stimulants.» the pod reported. «Bed rest highly advised.»

Lindon watched as the medical appendages set Serena’s broken ribs into place and applied the tight corset bandage to keep them in place while she will be healing. One of the appendages freed her lungs from all the blood that was collecting inside, and another set of stim-shots were made, administering some painkillers and stimulators to help her get to her feet for the time being.

When the pod opened up again, Lindon saw Serena slowly opening her eyes, barely able to be conscious.

«Serena…» he leaned over her, squeezing her palm. «Do you hear me?»

«Hunter… He…» the woman grimaced, feeling all her body aching.

«We saw.» Lindon swallowed a lump. «Are you good enough to walk?»

«We have to… find him… something… is wrong.»

«Wolfin is on his tail. I’m more worried about you. We need to get you back to the ship.»

«But…»

Lindon cupped her cheek, making her look at him:

«We’ll find him. We’ll find out what happened to him. Trust me. But right now… I need you to get up. I’ll help you to the ship.»

«My things…»

«We’ll get them on our way. Alright?»

Serena tried to push herself up, but felt her body protesting, so Lindon helped her slip off the pod, grasping her by the waist and trying not to press her too hard. Together they slowly made their way back to her apartment, where Serena stayed by the door, seated on a chair that stood there, while Lindon collected everything she told him to.

When the man walked up to her, bag in his hand, she took the syringe he offered her and made herself a shot of one of her special painkiller mixtures.

«I’ve contacted Lyssa. She’ll be up on the top floor shortly to pick us up.» Lindon helped Serena throw her arm over his shoulder.

This time they took the elevator to the top floor, and from there — the stairs to the roof, where ships could land shortly to drop off or pick up people and cargo. When they ascended the stairs, Lyssa was already there, waiting for them with the cargo bay door open.

«Welcome back, Captain!» the AI greeted Serena when the two walked in. «I highly advise you to get to your quarters and lie down.»

Serena wanted to object, but her legs buckled under her, and Lindon was forced to pick her up onto his arms.

«Contact Wolfin.» Lindon growled, carrying the woman to her quarters. «Find his location.»

The ship swiftly ascended into the skies as Lindon carried Serena to her quarters.

Chapter 8. Hunter

It took Serena a couple of days to recover, and another two — for them to catch up to Hunter’s trail.

They didn’t find out how exactly he got to Daruta, but when they saw Zarad meeting up with the cyborg, they fell back to see if the two will lead them to Falana.

What they did manage to find was that Zarad was purchasing some materials and rare resources that were available only on Daruta. And since the planet was a known trading stop for many different ships from all over, no one noticed the Veluthian ship that was parked in the space port for a number of days.

However, even after the ship flew off, they still hadn’t seen Falana anywhere. Lindon, ordering Lyssa to be cloaked and unseen, followed the cyborg and Zarad, until the ship reached one of the seventeen moons of a space gas giant — Nahelas-Torm. Six of the seventeen moons were inhabited — there were various tiny settlements there that operated in collecting the rare gases from Nahelas-Torm for export.

Reconfiguring MSS Lyssandra to look like any other human ship, the crew docked in the small space port, which could barely be called a safe place — a couple of pirate ships were freely parked there as well.

Serena — even though feeling better and much stronger than she was before — was eager to see Hunter again and find out what happened to her man. In the past few days she barely spoke to anyone — and when she did, all she could ask was if they can finally get Hunter back.

Lindon didn’t like this obsession, even though understood her wish to know what happened to the Terran. To the Veluthian it all seemed too suspicious, too obvious that Hunter came to fight her in that cage. It seemed like Falana was forcing Serena into a trap.

Wolfin agreed with him on that and they both were worried that Serena would not be as clear headed as she should be when the time comes to meet Falana and her goons face to face. Both men also agreed that for the time being Hunter should be considered an enemy, because the man they knew would have never hurt Serena at all, and this augmented fighter nearly beat her to death, barely landing a few blows to the woman.

So when the Veluthians saw Falana and Zarad walking out of their ship — Lyssandra was parked only two spaces away from it with constant video feed aimed at their vessel — they headed out to follow the two. Since Hunter wasn’t with them, Wolfin forced Serena to stay on board with Laneth and Kayla watching over her, as they all will be searching for any sign of Hunter. Laneth was ordered to contact the Veluthians as soon as they catch glimpse of the cyborg and keep Serena inside the ship at all costs.

And though Laneth wasn’t sure she would be able to stop the woman from running off, she promised to do everything in her power to do so. Kayla, on the other hand, promised to let them know if anything happens.

Serena felt irritated and offended, remaining on the ship. She stayed silent all the while her eyes were glued to the screens watching Falana’s ship standing on the parking plot.

Laneth and Kayla didn’t bother the woman and entertained themselves by quiet chatter — Laneth was explaining something new to the girl. It was a good distraction to keep the child engaged in their life, as the girl was quite capable and smart for her age. She caught on quickly and Laneth was glad that Kayla was so interested in topics like the mechanisms the woman worked on a lot, or the programs she was creating. Apart from that Kayla was very interested in medicine, and Laneth hoped that someday in the future the girl would find herself learning a number of very useful skills that might come in handy in their line of work.

Unfortunately, the conversation they were having was so deep that Laneth didn’t notice Serena slipping out of the bridge.

«Laneth.» the ship’s AI called the woman. «I could not stop our Captain.»

The woman jumped from her seat and whipped around, immediately concerned for Serena, who was nowhere to be found.

«Where did she go?» she asked, panicked

«She’s outside!» Keyla screamed. «She went to Hunter!»

Laneth glanced at the screen and immediately jolted out of the bridge, seeing Serena approaching the cyborg and hoping that Kayla would contact Wolfin or Lindon to let them know. The mechanic cursed herself for not being able to make three shocker guns to knock the cyborg out — she was able to make only two and gave them to the Veluthians, as they needed them more than she did.

If they only knew…

As for Serena — she wasn’t really thinking. When she saw Hunter walking out of Falana’s ship, she slipped away, while Laneth was distracted by Kayla, and ran out to see if she could manage to at least speak to the man.

Running up, she jumped in front of him, and the cyborg stopped, coldly looking at the woman.

«Hunter!» Serena called out. «Please! Let me know there’s something of you left in this…»

A heavy blow landed to her jaw, throwing her down.

Through the ringing in her ears she heard him making a step forward and grabbed his leg. The cyborg froze, looked down and she saw him tilting his head a bit. The next flash of pain made her curl up on the floor, when he kicked her in the side.

She forced herself up and caught up with him again, but as soon as he saw her next to him, his foot landed a kick to her leg, making it snap. Serena gasped, falling down, and yet still caught his ankle.

«Hunter! Please! I know you’re…» she breathed out.

The cyborg leaned down and grabbed her neck, raising her up.

Serena reached out to touch his face, but felt her chest bursting with pain. Her mouth almost immediately filled with blood, and the woman realised her strength was failing.

«Hunter… I love you…» she whispered, shedding blood. «Please…»

The cyborg in front of her remained expression-less, until suddenly something hit him in the back and he bared his teeth, arching his back.

Serena felt a jolt of shock enveloping her body and her mind slipped away, throwing her into the safe embrace of darkness.

Perhaps, it was for the best that things happened like this. But Lindon and Wolfin, who rushed back to the ship at first news of Serena running off, weren’t happy to find their Captain in the condition she was in when they arrived in a nick of time.

Swiftly, they delivered both — the barely alive Serena and the cyborg they knocked out with one of the shocker guns Laneth supplied them with — on board Lyssandra. They were glad that things like this happened in this space port all the time and no one seemed to care for the scuffle that took place.

And while Laneth was working hard with Hunter, trying to find out what to do and if they could even get him back somehow, Serena was placed into the care of the medical bay. It took the mechanic a little while to find out that Hunter, though augmented, was, in fact, still partly human. The only problem was that there was some kind of a chip installed to make him either pliable for manipulation, or put under direct control of Falana herself. And since it was connected to his brain, the man was delivered to the medical bay as well to get this part extracted — with hopes of him becoming himself again.

Some time passed before Hunter opened his eyes, but the first thing that came to his mind was the memory of Serena in front of him — wide-eyed, pale and spilling blood from her mouth. He wasn’t sure if what he saw was a nightmare.

He tried to get up, but something held him down. When he looked at his body, he saw an alien, metal torso, glimmering under the lights, and the same, metal-covered arms and legs. His gaze slid further and he saw a medical pod, inside which lay a woman. The pale face, silver hair and multiple bandages on her body made him flinch.

«Serena!» he called out, his voice coarse and low.

The man tensed up, hearing the bindings screeching, and began twisting and turning, panicked at seeing Serena so close — unconscious and obviously hurt.

«Let me out!» the man growled, trying to break free.

The bindings on his arms and legs rumbled, giving way under his strong cybernetic body, and suddenly ripped, allowing the man to jump off the table. He jolted to the woman, pressing his palms against the lid of the medical pod, and tried to understand what happened.

«Serena!» he almost let himself punch the lid, but froze, when he heard someone aiming a gun at his back.

«Step away from her, you metal freak!» Lindon’s voice sounded.

Hunter slowly raised his hands and cautiously turned to his friend.

«Lindon… what the…» the man looked at the barrel, aiming at him. «Put that down… What happened to Serena?»

«You happened.» Lindon grimaced, hatred written all over his face. «You almost killed her.»

Hunter fell silent, shocked to hear these words, but then looked at Serena and tried hard to remember what exactly happened when he last saw her.

«I don’t…» the man shook his head. «What?»

«Oh, so you don’t remember? First you almost killed her in the fight club, then you almost killed her two days ago.» Lindon’s gun flinched to the side. «Step aside.»

«Lindon…»

«Don’t!» the Veluthian bared his teeth. «Just get away from her!»

Hunter saw Wolfin stepping up from behind Lindon:

«Wolfin…»

The Veluthian passed Lindon, holding a blade, and lowered his stance, obviously getting ready for a fight.

«Guys…» Hunter didn’t know what to do, seeing his friends being so hostile towards him.

«Shut up!» Lindon growled. «Step aside. Get on your knees, hands behind your head.»

Hunter understood that whatever he says — they will not listen. He slowly took a step to the side, kneeled and clasped his hands behind his head, feeling desperate and confused.

«If I may…» Lyssa’s voice sounded. «His control chip has been deactivated and removed. If my calculations are correct, he is back to his usual self.»

«What did I do?» Hunter raised his eyes to Serena.

«You have attacked Serena and caused her extreme injuries that were almost fatal. Though you did that under the influence of the controlling chip, I am afraid Wolfin and Lindon have decided you do not deserve their trust at the moment. I am sorry.» the AI replied.

Wolfin and Lindon saw Hunter’s eyes filling with tears.

«I didn’t… I didn’t mean to…» he exhaled shakily, understanding the dire situation. «I’m so sorry…»

«Sorry isn’t going to cut it, Hunter.» Wolfin gritted his teeth and glanced at Lindon. «I told you we should have locked him up.»

«Lock me up, if you think it’s necessary.» Hunter met Wolfin’s gaze. «I will not fight it. I just… just tell me she’s going to be alright.»

«Captain Serena is suspended until her wounds heal.» Lyssa reported. «Estimated time for full recovery is seven days.»

«Lyssa, provide us with cuffs strong enough to keep him from attacking.» Lindon ordered.

«Cuffs are unnecessary, as he is no longer under someone else’s control.»

«Cuffs! NOW!»

«Of course.»

A moment passed and one of the helper bots arrived with cuffs similar to those used on Serena back at Velutha, when she was taken into custody. Wolfin grabbed them and his blade waved to the side.

«Turn around. And don’t flinch, or I’ll cut your shiny metal arms off.» the Veluthian said.

Hunter slouched, slowly turning his back to Wolfin. He didn’t want to fight the men who loved Serena just as much as he did. He knew why they were so untrusting of him.

As soon as the cuffs clasped his wrists behind his back, Wolfin placed the blade at his throat.

«Up. Very slowly.» he ordered.

Hunter complied, feeling guilty for doing something so vile that his own friends turned from him. He couldn’t even fathom what Serena might say when she wakes up.

Before he was escorted out, he glanced at Serena’s body once again, feeling his heart aching.

Chapter 9. Scrap Metal

Serena awoke with a sharp inhale that made her arch her back from a phantom pain of her previous wound. She panicked, scrambling off the medical pod and falling to the floor, trying to catch her breath, while ascertaining where she was and was she even safe at all.

Her memory kicked in, showing her the emotionless face of someone she loved, watching her as his blade pierced her chest, aiming at her heart. A pained, desperate wail flew out of her throat, and she curled up on the floor, shedding tears in a realisation that Hunter was lost to her forever.

She didn’t hear someone running up to her. She didn’t feel the warm embrace that the man gifted her, trying to comfort her. All she could feel and realise was the immense pain and the desperation that buried her under the heavy sense of emptiness.

Serena didn’t feel the shot that she was administered, but, at least, it helped her begin to swim out of the chaos of emotions that reigned over, until her tears run dry, and she felt the numbness slowly returning to her.

Even though she felt like she still needed to cry and scream — her body no longer answered her commands, not allowing her to push a single tear out. Only then she realised she wasn’t alone and someone was holding her close, embracing and caressing her hair in a desperate attempt to calm her down.

«Please, Serena…» she heard Lindon’s voice near her ear.

It took her some time to feel strength returning to her. She moved to free herself from his arms and slowly rose, finding herself standing on her knees. The empty, hollow sensation in her heart grasped her and she reached out to grasp the man’s shoulder — only to push herself up to her feet.

Once she stood, Lindon caught her upright when she swayed.

«Serena?» his voice trembled, seeing her almost as broken and distraught as when she first returned to the ship after Hunter was thought to be dead.

She tried to say something, but her throat let out only a pained gasp and the woman stepped towards the medicine processor, ruffling through the capsules with her trembling fingers in an attempt to find the right one. She saw Lindon fish out the sedative and push it into a syringe, giving her another shot.

Serena closed her eyes, feeling her body slowly stop trembling.

«Thank you…» she breathed out, turning to leave.

She didn’t even make a single step, when Lindon caught her in a tight embrace once again:

«Serena… I’m so sorry…» he whispered. «He’s… locked up.»

Even though she was numb from the sedatives, Serena felt her mind tensing up:

«What?» she pushed out of herself.

Lindon slowly leaned back, catching her pained, desperate gaze.

«We locked him up.» he repeated.

It took a couple of moments for Serena to understand what he was telling her:

«Take me… to him…» her voice sounded coarse.

«Serena, please…»

«Take me…»

Lindon saw in her eyes the strange glimpse of pain, mixed with a semblance of hope, or something very similar. He was afraid to let her see the cyborg, but he knew that she would have to see him for herself.

With a heavy sigh, Lindon nodded: