It had been an uneventful journey since the encounter with Zhi Wu a few weeks ago, the Rigel had been slowed by almost a week, putting them slightly behind schedule because of the substandard refugee ships they were escorting.
It was an issue since the slowdown and the added prisoners caused the Rigel to finish its food supplies alongside heavy water for its reactor.
Thus, to refuel and resupply, Zephyr stopped at Alpha Centauri’s famed shipyards to get supplies and glance at the galaxy’s second-largest assembly of spaceships.
…
As the Rigel warped into Alpha Centauri's shipyards, Zephyr couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer scale of the place. The shipyards stretched out for kilometres, filled with all manner of spaceships in various stages of construction.
Zephyr ordered the ship to dock at one of the massive docking bays, feeling excited as he and his crew prepared to explore the shipyards.
While the rest of the crew got some much-needed R&R, Ayame decided to visit Zhi Wu in the brig.
As Ayame walked down the dimly lit hallway towards the brig of the vessel, she contemplated their upcoming mission but as she neared the brig, her thoughts shifted to Zhi Wu and the refugees.
Entering the brig, she was greeted by Zhi Wu's quiet breathing. The pirate commander was sitting on a cot, her hands clasped in her lap.
Ayame approached her, her eyes taking in Zhi Wu's worn appearance. The pirate commander looked up at her, a mix of defiance and resignation in her eyes.
“Miss Wu, how are you holding up?”
Zhi Wu looked up at Ayame, her expression guarded. "I'm fine, thank you," she replied, her voice steady but downtrodden.
Ayame nodded, sensing the tension in the air. She knew that Zhi Wu had suffered a lot at the hands of the authorities but she wanted to know more nonetheless.
"Miss Zhi Wu, if you don't mind me asking, what led you to become a pirate?" Ayame asked gently.
Zhi Wu looked at her with a pained expression and spoke “You really wanna know?”
Ayame flinched at the jab at her but nodded.
Zhi Wu took a deep breath and began ”I was born in Fei Ma Zuo, one of the few Chinese frontier worlds and my mother hailed from mainland China where she lived in abject poverty, thus when the planetary administration was looking for volunteers she signed up with the hope of making a better life for herself and her family.”
Her expression softened as she continued
“Life on Fei Ma Zuo wasn’t easy, we were constantly plagued by the threat of pirate raids and the central administration turned a blind eye to our struggles but at least we were happy then!”
Zhi suddenly becomes enraged and shouts “ Without any warning the Central administration suddenly decides that we Frontier’s men were nothing but a nuisance, a stain on their perfect image of the Chinese state. “
“They sent in their soldiers and crushed any dissent with brutal force. They tore apart our families, killed our friends, and turned our world into a living hell,” Zhi Wu exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger and sadness.
Ayame was speechless, she felt a surge of empathy towards Zhi Wu and the people of Fei Ma Zuo however she knew that their struggle was not unique and that there were many like them suffering under the tyranny of oppressive regimes.
“I don’t know what to say,” Ayame said while looking towards Zhi with a feeling of helplessness.
Zhi Wu smiled softly, placing a hand on Ayame's arm. "You don't have to say anything. Your willingness to listen and help means everything to me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Ayame nodded, feeling a sense of determination rising within her.
“Although my words may seem empty to you I promise that we’ll do everything in our power to at least save the ones who escaped the carnage”
Zhi Wu looked at her with a flicker of hope. "Thank you, Ayame”
Ayame smiled back, acknowledging the bond that was forming between them. "You're welcome, Zhi. We'll get through this together."
As Ayame left the brig, she couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.
…
While Ayame conversed with Zhi, Zephyr decided to speak with the rest of the refugees to get the complete story.
Walking towards the group of refugees he noticed an old lady sitting alone on the side of the guard rails near their ship with a hood on her head.
“Miss, why are you sitting alone here?”
The frail woman slowly looked towards Zephyr with inexplicable eyes
Zephyr felt a shiver down his spine as he met the gaze of the weak woman. Her eyes seemed otherworldly as if hiding something far beyond her age.
“Boy I sense great courage and determination from you but you tread on a dark path that may not lead to the glory you pursue!”
The gaze with which the lady looked intrinsically creeped him out as if she could peer into his soul.
“What do you mean by that miss?”
He asked disturbed by what she told him
Slowly she moved her head revealing pupils as white as snow hidden underneath her hood
"Your path shall twist and turn, with shadows lurking where light's yearn. Bravery you hold, decisions bold, but heed this tale I've told: the darkest nights shall break apart when dawn unveils its loving heart."
"Who are you?" he asked, creeped out by her mystic presence and the cryptic words she had spoken.
But before she could speak, Zephyr's attention was drawn away by Ayame calling for him, waving her hands. "Zephyr! We need you here!" she shouted, urgency in her voice.
Zephyr waved back at Ayame and shouted, "I'll be there in a moment!" But when he turned his gaze around, he was stunned to find that the woman had vanished into thin air. The railing where she had been sitting was now empty as if she had never been there at all.
Perplexed and slightly unnerved, Zephyr shook off his confusion and made his way to Ayame, the cryptic words of the mysterious woman still echoing in his mind. He couldn't help but wonder who she was and how her enigmatic message would unfold in their journey. But for now, the mission at hand demanded his attention, and he focused on the challenges that lay ahead.
…
A while later,
After the unnerving encounter with the lady, Zephyr made his way to the refugees wanting to know the full story behind the genocide of the residents of Fei ma Zuo.
A dreary man wearing baggy clothes came forward and spoke “We were promised a new start, a chance to build a better life on Fei Ma Zuo. They said it was an opportunity for redemption, a second chance for those society had cast aside. We were hopeful, naive even. But it quickly became clear that we were nothing more than pawns in their game."
His voice trembled with anger and sorrow as he continued tearing up, "The authorities sent us there, labelling us as explorers, with no regard for our lives or well-being. They wanted to extract the planet's resources, and when the time came they took everything from us."
According to him, the People’s Congress had initially thought the planet to be a volcanic hellhole, unsuitable for human life but rich in precious metals, thus wanting to send undesirables instead of their precious workers.
This led to False mass media campaigns near low income zones about paradise in the frontier and how even a homeless person could become a millionaire overnight if he played his cards right.
The advertisements attracted many desperate individuals seeking a better life, including Zhi Wu's mother. The volunteers were promised a chance at a fresh start, with opportunities for wealth and prosperity beyond any government interference.
However, once they arrived at Fei Ma Zuo, they realized the truth. Far from being a paradise, the land was covered with volcanic sprouts spewing boiling lava and horrific flora and fauna with repulsive forms.
Dejected by the news many wanted to leave, but what the central government had failed to notice was a continent not too far off the initial landing zone which was separated by an ocean from the volcanic lands which covered most of the planet’s surface.
This continent was a lush and fertile land, teeming with resources and the potential for a prosperous life. The people of Fei Ma Zuo saw this land across the ocean as their only hope for survival and a chance to escape the harsh conditions they were forced to endure.
Driven by desperation, they began constructing makeshift boats and rafts, determined to reach the other side.
Many lost their lives on the treacherous journey, facing storms, rough waters, and attacks from the planet's dangerous creatures. But those who managed to make it to the continent found a haven, a place where they could build a new life away from the reach of the oppressive government.
Over time they built quaint hamlets far away from the omnipresent eyes of the national people’s Congress dictating ruthlessly how they should live.
Slowly the hamlets turned into bustling towns teeming with industry as more and more people joined them, the only contact the government maintained with them was in the form of monthly automated delivery quotas of minerals.
Zhi Wu's Mother has completely turned her life around and became a respected community leader in one of these towns.
She fought tirelessly for the rights of the people, organising protests and advocating for better living conditions. Zhi Wu grew up witnessing her mother's determination and resilience, which inspired her rebellious spirit.
However, the People's Congress became increasingly aware of the continent's existence and the thriving communities that had formed there, it only took the greed of a single person to bring about the end of peace and tranquillity on the planet.
A new settler had been bribed by the officials and revealed the continent to the central government before he could be stopped, leading to a swift and brutal military intervention.
The People's Congress sent in their soldiers, armed with advanced weaponry and accompanied by ruthless enforcers.
The peaceful towns were quickly overrun, and chaos ensued as the government forces razed everything to the ground and unleashed their firepower on the unsuspecting inhabitants.
Zhi Wu's mother and other leaders of the resistance organised a valiant but ultimately futile defence. The people fought back with whatever means they had, but they were no match for the superior military might of the People's Congress.
Many lives were lost, and the survivors were forced into hiding, becoming fugitives in their homeland.
The resistance faced a critical challenge that ultimately sealed their fate, they had deliberately refrained from forming an organized militia or armed forces in their settlements. Their decision stemmed from the belief that the continent, with its peaceful environment and lack of predatory creatures, was far removed from any imminent threat of war.
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This lack of preparedness proved to be their downfall. When the People's Congress launched its brutal assault, the resistance was caught off guard and ill-equipped to defend themselves.
The absence of a united military force meant that they could not effectively counter the overwhelming firepower and advanced weaponry of the government forces.
Zhi Wu, still a young girl had witnessed the devastation of her homeland and the loss of her mother in the fight against the oppressive regime.
She escaped capture, but her spirit was scarred, filled with anger and a desire for revenge against those who had destroyed her world.
In the aftermath of the government's attack, the surviving refugees scattered, some seeking refuge in neighbouring systems, while others joined various resistance groups fighting against the oppressive regime throughout the galaxy. Zhi Wu, driven by her vendetta, formed her band of pirates, targeting government installations, disrupting supply lines, and doing whatever she could to strike back at the Union.
As Zephyr listened to the refugees recount their harrowing experiences, he felt that he shouldn’t hand over the refugees to the Union consulate, instead wanting to consult his mother about the matter.
After paying his respects to the refugees and hearing their harrowing stories, Zephyr's mind was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts.
The encounter with the enigmatic old lady and the revelations about the destruction of Fei Ma Zuo weighed heavily on him. It was clear to him that these refugees had endured immense suffering and deserved compassion and support.
With a sense of urgency, Zephyr made his way back to the ship, his mind racing with the decision he needed to make. He couldn't simply hand over the refugees to the Union consulate without considering the implications. He needed guidance, someone whose wisdom he trusted implicitly.
…
After completing the refuelling and taking some much-needed rest at Alpha Centauri, the crew of the Rigel prepared to embark on the final leg of their journey toward Earth.
As they left the bustling shipyards behind, a renewed sense of purpose filled the air.
Earth, the revered birthplace of humanity, beckoned them forward with its mysteries and revelations.
With their supplies replenished and their spirits reinvigorated, they set their course, steadily traversing the vast expanse of space, inching closer to their destination.
The journey towards Earth was a momentous occasion, filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. Zephyr along with most of his crew had never visited Earth and couldn't help but feel a profound sense of awe as they neared the birthplace of humanity.
As the Rigel entered the Sol system, a sudden halt to their progress jolted the ship. An inhibitor field surrounded the system, preventing them from warping any closer than the rim.
Zephyr's brows furrowed in surprise and concern as he tried to assess the situation but relaxed soon after.
Gazing out into the vastness of space, the crew beheld a sight that both intrigued and bewildered them.
The system bustled with an array of ships, ranging from small patrol boats to colossal cargo carriers. They all seemed to be converging on Sol, humanity's ancestral home, and its neighbouring planets.
The Sol system, humanity's first venture into space, bore the marks of its age. Amidst the celestial bodies and the glimmering starlight, a multitude of derelict mining stations dotted the system, serving as black markets and makeshift habitats for those struggling to survive.
These dilapidated structures harboured thousands of people living in cramped, unsanitary conditions.
Existing prosperous colonies nearby only served to exacerbate the stark contrast within the Sol system.
As the Rigel ventured closer, they caught glimpses of thriving colonies on neighbouring planets and moons, where advanced infrastructure and bustling cities stood in stark contrast to the dilapidated mining stations and slums of the Sol system.
These prosperous colonies, supported by powerful corporations and influential factions, thrived on the resources extracted from the galaxy at large. They revelled in the wealth and progress that seemed to elude the forgotten corners of Sol.
Zephyr finally spoke astounded by the gap in societal prosperity “ The seeds of corruption exist even within the revered heart, but could it truly be called the heart if it's rotting from the inside.”
He felt dejected and looked towards Ayame who simply gave nodded with a saddened expression.
“Don’t feel too bad there’s not much we could do for them, life just isn’t equal for everyone”
Ayame spoke recalling what Zhi had told her.
Thankfully all was not grim the crew's spirits were lifted by the sight that awaited them.
Nearing Mars, they beheld the awe-inspiring spectacle of the galaxy's largest shipyard, known as "The Cosmic Falcon Foundry."
The shipyard stretched out before them, spanning hundreds of kilometres in length.
Towering gantries, massive cranes, macro assemblers and bustling construction sites filled the expansive facility.
The sheer scale of the shipyard left the crew in awe, their previous encounter with Alpha Centauri's famed "Tauri Forge" now paling in comparison.
Excitement buzzed through the crew as they marvelled at the colossal structures and the ceaseless activity taking place within the shipyard. It was a testament to humanity's ingenuity and ambition, a testament to the limitless possibilities that awaited them in the stars.
Zephyr couldn't help but smile at the sight. "This is where dreams take shape," he remarked, his voice filled with a sense of wonder overcoming his previous dread.
Soon enough they reached their destination Earth “The Fabled Birthplace of Mankind”
Approaching their final destination in the United States of North America, the crew of the Rigel marvelled at the unique nature of Earth.
It was a planet unlike any other, boasting a self-sustaining environment that made it an ideal candidate for a veritable fortress world.
Earth's advanced defence systems, both visible and hidden, provided an additional layer of protection to this precious jewel in the galaxy.
However, due to strict regulations and security protocols, the Rigel and its crew were unable to directly dock on Earth's surface. Instead, they were required to disembark at the space elevator located in Pensacola, Florida. This immense structure served as a vital link between space and Earth, allowing for the efficient transportation of goods and personnel.
As they approached the space elevator, the crew of the Rigel received a hail from the American border authorities
The communication crackled through the speakers as the voice of the American Border Control echoed, "This is American Border Control. Please identify the affiliation of your ship and state the purpose for which you are requesting docking permission."
Zephyr, maintaining a calm demeanour, responded clearly, "This is Captain Zephyr Novastride of the Rigel, affiliated with the Orion System Alliance. We are here on a UN mission to transport Miss Luna Novastride as per authorized orders."
Upon receiving the response from American Border Control, the crew of the Rigel felt a sense of relief. The words echoed through the communication channel, "Understood lease prepare for boarding and ready your credentials!"
Zephyr acknowledged the instructions, his voice calm yet decisive. "Acknowledged. We will prepare for boarding and have our credentials ready for inspection."
Zephyr's voice resonated with authority as he relayed the message to his crew, "Prepare for boarding!"
Swiftly they gathered their credentials, ensuring they were in order. The crew members readied themselves for the boarding process, knowing that proper documentation and cooperation were essential for a smooth entry into the USNA.
Passing through the border control checkpoint, the crew presented their identification and mission documents to the American authorities. The officials meticulously inspected the credentials, verifying their authenticity and purpose. The crew remained patient and cooperative, understanding the necessity of these security measures.
After a thorough examination, the American authorities permitted them to proceed. With a collective sigh of relief due to being unfamiliar with American regulations, the crew moved forward, ready to continue their journey within the USNA.
Immediately they docked and ordered the various refugee ships to wait near the Martian docks since they did not require verification.
As Zephyr and Ayame disembarked the Rigel and set foot onto the bustling platform of the Pensacola Space Elevator, they were astonished by the immense crowd of people that filled the area.
The noise of conversations, the shuffling of feet, and the hum of activity permeated the air. People hurriedly moved about, their faces a mix of determination and purpose. The vibrant energy of the crowd was palpable, reflecting the diverse tapestry of humanity.
Taking advantage of the chaos Ayame reached her hand and clasped Zephyr's, her expression lighting up with a wide grin.
The sudden gesture took Zephyr by surprise, he hadn’t expected Ayame to be clingy all of a sudden, but for once he let it pass since they had been through a lot recently and simply held her hand.
“So what’s next?” Ayame curiously asked
Zephyr smiled at Ayame's question, feeling a sense of comfort from her questions
"Next, we need to make our way to the designated ground transportation area. From there, we will head to New York, where we'll meet up with my mom".
“Zephyr what about Zhi Wu, she seems like a nice person!” Ayame queried worried about Zhi’s well being.
Zephyr sighed and spoke with a hint of disappointment
“ Ayame, we barely know Zhi, even if she seems like a nice person we can’t just ignore what she did to the Russian human traffickers”
Ayame tried to think of a reason to refute him but was unable to think of anything as she knew that killing the traffickers was a step too far.
With a dejected expression, she finally gave in “Okay I understand!”
Zephyr nodded, appreciating Ayame's understanding. "We can't ignore the actions she took, but perhaps there is a way to find a middle ground," he suggested, contemplating the situation.
"Let's focus on our mission and regroup with my mom first. Once we have a clearer picture of the situation, we can determine the best course of action regarding Zhi Wu and the refugees."
Shortly thereafter, they departed from the bustling platform of the Pensacola Space Elevator.
Leaving behind the bustling platform of the Pensacola Space Elevator, Zephyr and his crew ventured into the vibrant streets of the United States of North America.
Pensacola was alive with a mosaic of sights and sounds, captivating their senses with its bustling energy.
With no time to spare in Pensacola, they hurriedly made their way to John F. Kennedy International Airport, eager to continue their journey through the bustling streets of New York.
As they made their way through the streets, Zephyr couldn't help but marvel at the diversity of cultures and the harmonious blend of old and new. Skyscrapers towered above them, casting long shadows on the bustling sidewalks where people from all walks of life hurried by.
Their destination New York was a massive Megalopolis known for its iconic landmarks and galaxy wide influence.
Navigating through the labyrinthine streets, crowded subway stations, and the ceaseless energy of a city that never slept, Zephyr and Ayame marvelled at the vibrant tapestry of New York.
The diversity of nationalities, backgrounds, and dreams was a stark contrast to the homogeneity of their home city, Orion Prime. The cultural mosaic that surrounded them was both invigorating and awe-inspiring.
As they approached their destination, the UN embassy personnel warmly welcomed them, recognizing their mission and the significance of their presence.
The escort led them to a fleet of sleek hover buses waiting nearby. Stepping aboard, they found themselves surrounded by fellow diplomats, officials, and dignitaries from around the galaxy, each on their mission or endeavour.
The hum of conversation filled the air as the hover buses smoothly glided through the bustling streets of New York.
Through the panoramic windows, the iconic landmarks of the city passed by in a blur the Statue of Liberty standing tall, the towering skyscrapers of Manhattan, and the ever vibrant Times Square, pulsating with lights and advertisements.
Zephyr and Ayame took in the sights, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation for what awaited them at the UN headquarters.
This galactic hub of diplomacy held the promise of collaboration, unity, and a platform to address the pressing challenges facing the galaxy.
As the hover buses arrived at their destination, the UN headquarters loomed before them—an architectural marvel that represented the collective aspirations and efforts of nations striving for peace and cooperation.
The towering structure stood as a powerful symbol of hope, a guiding light in the quest for a brighter tomorrow for all.
Yet, it also served as a poignant reminder that the voices and perspectives of those who were unable to reach its halls were often disregarded and overlooked.
Exiting the buses they were soon greeted by Luna
“Welcome to the UN headquarters," Luna greeted them with a warm smile and embraced Zephyr and Ayame, relieved to see them safe and sound.
"I'm glad you made it," Luna said, her eyes filled with pride as she looked at her son.
"Forgive me for forcing you to help me in out."
Zephyr smiled back at his mother, a mixture of emotions welling up inside him.
"It's good to see you, Mom," he replied, with a warm voice
“We wouldn't have it any other way, Aunt," Ayame chimed in, flashing her vibrant smile.
"Besides, it was quite an adventure! One for the books."
Luna chuckled softly, ruffling Ayame's hair playfully before turning her gaze to the crowd of diplomats and officials around them.
"There's much to discuss and plan," she stated, her tone becoming more serious.
"But first, let's gather in the briefing room. We have a lot to cover."
“Alright let’s go” said Zephyr as he and the crew followed his mother into the building.
While walking towards the Conference Room Zephyr decided to bring the Refugee issue.
“Mom, should we hand over the pirates to the Asian Union?”
Luna looked at him with a disappointed look and said “Zephyr what do you think would happen to those poor people if you hand them over to the authorities?”
Zephyr thought to himself for a while and spoke softly his voice tinged with hesitation “Wouldn't there be a possibility for them to be resettled after serving some time?”
Luna's expression grew sombre as she shook her head, her tone grave. "No, Zephyr, what you're considering is highly unlikely. In the eyes of the authorities, they would be labelled as terrorists and subjected to immediate execution without trials."
Zephyr understood what his mother had implied and a wave of regret washed over him as he absorbed the implications of his decision.
He realized that bringing the refugees to Earth had placed their lives in even greater jeopardy than he had anticipated.
Ayame interjected within their conversation saying “Then can’t we take care of them?”
Hearing Ayame’s childlike Optimism Luna’s expression became much softer
"Oh, then how do you propose we take care of over 1000 refugees?" she teased Ayame, a playful smile on her face, knowing the enormity of the task ahead.
Caught off guard, Ayame found herself at a loss for a plan. She stood there, momentarily stumped, her expression reflecting her confusion.
Luna, observing Ayame's puzzled face, couldn't help but laugh. Her laughter filled the air, and she finally ceased teasing Ayame.
"No need to think that hard, Ayame, I will take care of it" Luna reassured her, a warm smile replacing her laughter as she ruffled her hair.
Zephyr and Ayame exchanged a glance and In unison, they spoke with heartfelt appreciation, "Thank you, Mom/Aunt Luna. We always knew we could rely on you."
"All's well that ends well, isn't it, kiddos?" Luna remarked with a lighthearted tone, her smile brightening the room.
Zephyr and Ayame couldn't help but share a laugh at her comment.
“And Zephyr, thank you for coming this far. I am incredibly proud of you,"
A bashful smile tugged at the corners of Zephyr's lips, his cheeks flushing with a hint of embarrassment. "Thank you, Mom," he murmured, his voice tinged with modesty. "Your kind words mean the world to me."
Luna wrapped her arms around Zephyr once more, giving him a warm, reassuring hug. With a final squeeze, she released him and led the way toward the conference room.
…
Upon reaching the conference room, Zephyr couldn't help but notice two individuals walking out just as the door swung open.
His eyes met those of a tired elderly man, whose face held a sense of wisdom and experience. Beside him was a captivating brunette girl, approximately Zephyr's age, who exuded an air of confidence and intelligence.
For a brief moment, their gazes intertwined, and an unspoken connection seemed to pass between them.
Zephyr's curiosity was piqued, but before he could inquire further, Luna ushered him and Ayame into the conference room.
Though the encounter had left an impression on him, he temporarily set aside his thoughts, ready to focus on the task at hand.
Little did he know that this seemingly fleeting exchange would have a significant impact on their journey and the challenges they were about to face.