Alyx stood in front of her parents’ grave. It was merely a symbolic gravestone, as their bodies had been lost to the void of space. The morning mist, typical of Citria, hung low and heavy, muffling the sounds of the world around her. A chill in the air pricked her skin, but she hardly noticed—her focus was entirely on the stone before her.

She had loved her parents beyond belief. They were the best two mums anyone could ask for, always there for her and never shying away from her aspirations of becoming a research specialist. They had considered her dreams dangerous—venturing beyond Freehand Collective space on random ships to explore the depths of the universe—but they still encouraged her to follow her passion.

Alyx imagined they probably regretted this after the reports of her demise reached them. But what drove them to look for her? Why did they believe she must be alive? It had to be their unwavering optimism. She recalled the way her mothers had cheered her on, their faces beaming with pride as she trained with Teroy, each victory celebrated with joy and laughter.

Yet now, as the reality of her loss washed over her, Alyx felt anger rising within. Why didn’t they just stay and live? It was unfair; she shouldn’t have lost them so young. She pondered how their grief must have mirrored her own, compelling them to search the stars for their daughter.

They had even arranged for her to receive top-of-the-line training from Teroy himself, believing advanced combat skills would protect her during expeditions. But that training had proven useless against the mental shock of witnessing her crew slaughtered. The memories of that night were etched into her mind, and the weight of her parents’ absence felt suffocating.

Alyx’s thoughts drifted to the last few days. After Marcus’s display of his powers to Teroy, he had quickly accepted her explanation of her escape and Marcus’s role in it.

Teroy had a hard time believing Marcus’ story of walking out of a Finisterra prison. Alyx understood his scepticism; it did sound almost supernatural. No, it is supernatural, she thought. An ability like his couldn’t be explained by any science known in their universe.

Teroy insisted on demonstrations, and Marcus obliged, not wanting to appear arrogant or rude to the military leader of Citria. Alyx recognized that Marcus understood the mysterious and dangerous nature of his power, and he wanted to make a good impression.

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After the demonstration, Teroy took Alyx to her childhood home. It remained untouched, just as she had left it. She decided to move into her parents’ room, giving Marcus her old bedroom. It felt more appropriate than leaving her parents’ room empty down the hallway, serving as a constant reminder of her loss. Plus, she enjoyed Marcus’ company; he had become a good friend.

Marcus’s face lit up when he saw his new room in Alyx’s house. It was likely the first space he’d ever had to himself, she thought. The mineroid he had come from probably had communal sleeping zones, and the transport ship hadn’t provided much privacy either.

Alyx reflected on how much Marcus had grown to mean to her. He was kind and supportive during this difficult time, making sure she ate well and taking care of cleaning the house, which had accumulated dust after being left for so long.

Yet, she knew she needed to move on soon. Important events were on the horizon. Teroy had used his position as Centurion of Citria to arrange an audience for Marcus and Alyx with Citria’s Celestar.

This audience was an opportunity to showcase Marcus’ power. Alyx envisioned the potential for uniting the Collective. With Marcus’ extraordinary abilities and stories of him outsmarting Finisterra, how could they not see the advantage he offered?

Imagine the possibilities. He could land on a planet and steal information without anyone ever noticing—moving in and out within a second.

He could be the advantage they needed to liberate humanity from the oppressive grip of Finisterra and the damned Supreme Director.

The air around Alyx shifted, and she felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Must you do that every time, Marcus? You know it creeps me out,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

“As long as it makes you smile, yes,” Marcus replied. “You’ve been out here for a while now… I think.”

“Still struggling to keep track?” Alyx teased.

“Always,” Marcus admitted. “We should be going soon; Teroy wants to see us.”

“What about?”

“The Celestar wants to see us.”

“So soon?” Alyx’s brows furrowed in surprise.

“Teroy told them about me. They’re curious.”

“Very well, let’s go.”

Alyx felt a pang of disappointment at not having more time to grieve before this meeting, but the anticipation of an audience with the Celestar ignited a flicker of excitement within her.