It was a thriving world at the edge of the Imperium proper, just before the rim. Young enough to still be full of joy and hope for the future. Technology had stopped spreading before it’d reached these sand-filled streets. But the population seemed not to care. Men and women shouted as they walked through the crowds, selling local liquors and pastries; children played under a searing sun; music drifted in the air from open windows. You would not have thought thousands of people had just died above their heads.

Val glanced up at the sky. She thought she could see distant debris, like specks of dust in the clouds. It was silly, of course, they were much too far and too small to be visible from here.

After dropping off Vinder and his two crewmates, she had decided to stock up on food and grab some spare parts Nim had requested.

Imperial guards patrolled all over Menthis, but they were too preoccupied with recent events. She could see them frequently glancing up, worry in their eyes.

She walked past a group of five and sunk into the busy market.

As she looked around for what she needed, she glimpsed a familiar silhouette. She snapped her head back and stared. Had she imagined it?

No, there he was again.

Juden!

What was that worm doing here?

She slipped through the crowd, moving closer.

If she could just get her hands on him...

She had almost reached her target when she froze.

No. There was something better she could do.

This was an opportunity.

To learn more.

After everything that had happened, she still had no clue who Juden worked for or why he had wanted her ship so badly. And she would like answers to those questions very much.

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She fell into step behind him, remaining at a reasonable distance. Far enough that he wouldn’t spot her and close enough that she wouldn’t lose him.

He made his way through the crowd, heading for a small alley. She’d have to be careful once they were out of the market. Stick to the shadows. Not make any noises. Keep as far as she could while maintaining eyesight.

They left the throng behind them, and the streets became quieter. Those streets were narrow enough for the walls around to create sufficient shade to keep them out of the sun’s hungry rays.

After a few minutes, she realized Juden was headed toward a private airstrip.

“Damn it,” she muttered to herself.

She tapped on her wristpad to initiate a communication link with her ship.

“Nim, can you hear me?” she breathed into the device.

Juden went through the gate and disappeared on the other side.

“Why are you whispering, Val? Is everything alright?”

Her heart sank as she heard the concern in Nim’s voice. She struggled to keep her own steady as she responded.

“What’s the range of these wristpads?”

She walked up to the gate and went in. She glanced around and saw Juden walking toward a large craft. Much bigger than Starrider.

“I... I’m not sure. Why?”

“Juden’s here. I need to follow him. And he’s about to board a ship.”

“Come back and we can—”

“No, Nim. That won’t work.” She hid behind a crate as the tall, dark-skinned man looked back. “I’m too far from you,” she whispered. “This is not the same airstrip. I’ll have to board with him.”

“But—”

“Will we still be able to talk?”

She peered over the edge of the crate and saw that Juden had disappeared. He must have gone into the ship.

“There are limitations, Val. I’m just not sure what they are.”

She ran toward the hatch, keeping her head low.

“What about tracking?”

“That should have a wider range.”

Val slipped into the opening and slunk through the halls.

“Even if we warp?”

“Yes.”

She paused at an intersection and looked from one side to the other, then went straight forward. She could hear footsteps ahead and could only hope they were Juden’s.

“Alright. Then follow my signal. Stay as close as you can without getting spotted.”

“Are you sure—”

“Yes, Nim! I’m sure.”

The ship’s engine started, and she felt the floor vibrate under her feet.

“What about Warthol?”

“What about him?”

“Is he there too?”

That was a good question, one she had no answer to.

“Probably,” she muttered. “I have to go. Stay close, alright?”

“Always.”

She closed her eyes for a second, then cut the communication and pressed on.

At the next turn, she saw a familiar silhouette disappear through a door. From the glimpse she got of the inside, it looked like a cabin. Perhaps Juden’s.

She sighed.

“Alright, buddy. I got you. Let’s see where you’re going now.”