Gabriel felt like time traveled at a snail's pace as they approached Mhinos. Though they likely were faster than any human ships. At least those from 100 years ago. Regardless he was quite bored before he and Madeline heard a beep from the speakers and a voice told everyone to strap in for reentry. The ship shook as they entered the atmosphere though much less than Gabriel anticipated. After that, they were free to walk around until landing, which would be another half an hour or so. Gabriel looked over his clothes and decided this was likely an important meeting so he chose his shirt from Earth to go with the clothes from space. Dark pants, white shirt, and his jacket. It had to do. Madeline had chosen a blue dress, flowing down to her knees and split at her hips down and black pants underneath.

Gabriel buttoned the shirt and faced her, “So, what do you think?”

“I think the jacket is a bit casual, but you look good,” She said.

“Thank you, you look good enough for both of us.”

Madeline smiled and spun in a circle, “I like this dress, but we need to go shopping before you take me on that date. If we have the time.”

“Sure, I could use some more clothes as well. Or rather some more variation.” Gabriel said.

Gabriel and Madeline joined the ones departing at the closest meeting room to the airlock. Derthen was there, along with Morthri, Alith, Sen’Chakar, and Deana, as well as some crew members Gabriel had only seen in passing. Derthen was dressed similarly to what Madeline had worn on the black market, the long collarless shirt was just cut a bit differently and not quite as long. Deana was dressed in simple streetwear, black jacket, with grey pants and Sen'Chakar wore very similar clothes, however, his were more business casual.

“Good, everyone is here,” Derthen said. “After we land, we will need to go through customs. Sen’Chakar and Deana, I need to travel with Gabriel and Madeline to the Union government before arranging for your transports.” Sen’Chakar and Deana nodded at this. Deana looked nervous, shifting slightly in her seat. Sen was as usual unreadable.

“And what then?” Gabriel asked.

“Hopefully you can get the help you need from the Union and I can get back to my work,” Derthen said. “If not, I can bring you to Roniean II but no further.”

Gabriel nodded. “I really appreciate the help.”

Derthen nodded. “Morthri and Alith will travel with us to the meeting and likely follow you to Roniean II or wherever you decide to head next.”

“If we are allowed,” Alith said.

“You don’t think the Unions will be on board?” Gabriel asked him.

Alith shook his head, making his large ears flop about, “I hope they will, It would help our research but we don’t know what support they will give.”

Morthri nodded and focused all three eyes on Gabriel. “if you want us to come, of course, we will not force you.”

“Let’s wait and see what these Union folks say, I don’t mind your company if it’s possible,” Gabriel said. The speakers beeped again and a voice said to brace for landing. Everyone took a seat and after a very smooth landing, the speakers beeped once again.

“We have landed successfully. Those who are heading off the ship, please head to customs before leaving the docks,” a crewmember said over the speakers.

“Alright, let’s go,” Derthen said and stood. He led the group out to the airlock, just as they reached it the door to the crew section opened and Cani stepped out.

“Hey, I’m just in time,” She said and filed in as they walked down the ramp.

Two Yavichans approached with tablets and matching grey coveralls followed by three bored-looking guards. One Yavichan and two Ronieans. The two Yavichian's in coveralls looked through the few bags the crewmembers brought and typed away on the tablets with their lower arms. Then they quickly scanned everyone’s faces to get proper Id’s. Derthen, Madeline, and Gabriel were first and stepped to the side. The crew members were cleared but when they came to Sen’Chakar the scanner beeped.

“Ah, yes,” The customs officer said. “You are reported as missing, we will make sure this is fixed.” He walked over to Deana and scanned her. The scanner beeped again and the officer froze.

Deana laughed nervously, “I think I can guess what it said.” she said and held both hands out.

“Deana V'Shiri, you are under arrest,” the officer said and motioned for the guards to step forth.

“What!?” Gabriel, Cani, and Madeline said at the same time, while Sen had a look of confusion on his face.

“You know when I said I… investigated the criminal gang dealing with stimulants. Well I might have gotten a little zealous and maybe not all the information was collected legally,” she said with a sheepish tone and a guard fitted handcuffs on her.

“But… “ Gabriel said and looked between Deana and the guards. “Can I vouch for her? I mean she was correct and helped stop an underground fighting arena” he asked the guards.

“I can assure you that any event after her disappearance will be taken into consideration,” the customs officer said. “And yes, you may attend the trial and speak on her behalf.”

Deana turned back to Cani, “Date will have to wait a bit huh? sorry,” she said as she was led away. Cani was quickly scanned and cleared but stood there confused as Gabriel walked up to her.

“You alright?” He asked.

“I feel… conflicted,” Cani said.

“Wanna talk?” Gabriel asked and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m sad we didn’t get to actually have that date, I’m worried for her and… ” Cani blushed slightly, “Breaking the law to bring down a gang...” she lowered her voice. “I might be getting more than a crush. And I’m a little turned on.”

“Um, alright, maybe a bit too much information,” Gabriel said, more confused now than before. “Not worried about prison or such?”

“Won't be worse than the arena,” Sen’Chakar said. “I will follow and give a statement.” He declared before walking off after the guards.

Cani stood fidgeting in place for a moment, “I’m going too,” she said and hurried off.

Gabriel blinked at the rain, feeling confused. He needed to try and talk with someone in the Union government about this if he could. He was an ambassador, after all, maybe he could do something. He turned back to Derthen and Madeline.

“Anyone as confused as me?” He asked. “Why did being arrested just seem like an inconvenience?” Madeline shook her head, clearly confused as well. Derthen was staring at Sen’Chakar and Cani’s backs as they hurried away. Before Gabriel could get any more information a third Yavichan approached.

“Mr. Nioni, your transport awaits at dock 9,” she said. Gabriel remembered from US 535 that females had lighter and slightly longer fur. This one was light purple.

She led them to a small ship, just big enough for a pilot, copilot, and about ten passengers, though the latter had to squeeze in. But as they were only three there was plenty of space. As they pulled out from the docks and flew over the city, Gabriel got his first good look.

It was raining, which obscured some but he still saw much of the vast city. Ships flew over the buildings, all the tall buildings reaching the same height, though Gabriel could not tell how many floors that were. The buildings were generally square or with right angles, but some were round or triangular. Most were spaced in rows as far as the geography allowed. Some districts they flew over were more circular with parks separating them from the uniformity of the rest.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“There’s the Union building,” Derthen said and pointed. Gabriel moved over to the other side to get a better view. A large building, several times the size of the others of the city towered in the distance. A circular tower loomed over the city, with three wide wedges spaced evenly against the base. The wedges, he realized as they closed in, were buildings and not just decoration. Lights on the ground illuminated the different sections, green, red, and blue. All three started as a slope at about a 45-degree angle before leveling out about halfways.

“What are the colors for? just decoration?” Gabriel asked.

“Different departments,” Derthen said and pointed to the green one. “Green is infrastructure, roads, lights, water and such. Red is medical but includes food and general health as well. Blue is security, from the city to the military and personnel for hire on ships.”

“And justicars?”

“I would assume they are with Security but I’ve never met one,” Derthen said. “But then again, I’ve never needed to.” The soon landed on a helipad, or maybe a ship-pad? hover-pad? on the green building and was met by a Phigos and once again went through the same motions. He asked if Derthen was Mr. Nioni and after confirming they were led inside the tower and to a meeting room and asked to wait. Gabriel took a seat as refreshments were placed on the table. Then they were left alone.

“I hope this time isn’t like US535,” Gabriel said, reminiscing about the long wait they had to sit through on the station. Madeline flexed her fur ridge in agreement and took a seat next to him. They didn’t have to wait long before a pink Yavichian entered the room. She was dressed in a dark blue suit and gave them all a thorough inspection with all four eyes before taking a seat at the end of the table. She placed a folder on the table and clasped her hands together, two in her lap, two on the table.

“My name is Krihana,” She said as she sat down. “Before we start, is there anything you need? more refreshments?”

“No thank you. My name is Derthen Nioni and while I arranged this meeting, it does not concern me, I must take my leave,” Derthen said. He squeezed his daughter's shoulder and nodded respectfully to Gabriel and Krihana. Then he strode out the door.

“Uh, alright, my name is Gabriel Issac Walker, and I’m good on refreshments.”

“Mhadeleaine Nioni”

Krihana nodded, “Then, let me start over, I work with the Archives and Security department as an Investigations officer.”

“Archives?” Gabriel asked.

“The Archives is a department that employs technicians and specialists in evidence gathering and investigations,” Krihana said.

“And you work with Security?”

“Mostly,” she said. “We can get called out for the other departments as well, sanitation in food or medical mistakes. Though both are rare.”

“I see,” Gabriel said nodding. He supposed they were FBI, food inspectors, and Osha all in one.

“Good,” Krihana said and opened the folder. “Now, would you mind telling me everything from the beginning?”

Gabriel started when he woke up on Kanthuas ship, naked and confused. Madeline filled in what little she knew from the time she woke up, several days before and corrected Gabriel as he went along with her impeccable memory. Krihana never interrupted or even glanced at her open folder, she just listened along. She narrowed her eyes somewhat when Gabriel began talking about the Syndicate Deana had investigated.

“And speaking of that,” Gabriel said.

“She was arrested on the docks,” Krihana said. “Yes, I know.”

“Anything you can do?” Gabriel asked.

Krihana seemed to ponder that for a moment. “Maybe, she might have important information on the Syndicate. I will not promise anything.”

“Thank you,” Gabriel said and continued with his story, talking about the fights and the escape. “And then we ended up here,” he finished.

Krihana nodded stiffly, “Good. Then let me tell you first that the syndicate exists.”

“Then what infor—” Gabriel began but Krihana held up a hand.

“However, they work smart. They might be several different organizations sponsoring the Syndicate with money and members but otherwise, work separately. They don’t track the money or members and so the Syndicate is harder to find.”

“So, what do we do?” Gabriel asked.

“We have a few ideas, we had some time while you were in transit,” Krihana said and went through her notes. She picked up a pcu and pressed a button. A minute later two Xenos walked through the door. First was an Igris, wearing a black jacket with a yellow stripe starting at the left breast pocket and traveling down. From the way he moved, Gabriel thought he had to be a soldier of some type, and he caught a glimpse of a handle at his left side. Possibly a handgun. Behind him was one of the Xenos Gabriel hadn’t seen before. A female Kirini if he guessed correctly. She looked much like Madeline’s descriptions. A mostly human face with thinner lips and the two ridges over her head. The ridges looked almost like horns traveling over her scalp, if not for the two tentacles on the back of her head, and the sides of her head were shaved leaving black hair in the middle, pulled back into a bun. She wore a similar jacket to the Igris and was also armed, if the buldge at her left side was any indication.

“Rik’Tensel,” Krihana said and gestured to the Igris, “and Zura,” she gestured to the Kirini, are members of the Justicars,” Krihana said.

Gabriel nodded, “Gabriel,” He said and extended a hand. Rik’Tensel nodded and shook his hand. A firm but professional grip. Zura did as well, looking intently at him with brown eyes that contained large Irises, the pupils slit like cats. Both gave Madeline a professional nod before returning to standing at ease but alert.

“If we can buy some scans and test results from your two doctor friends we can arrange transport to Roniean II and wherever you want to go. Taking down the syndicate and finding your sister is a high priority.”

Gabriel nodded, “And Rik’Tensel and Zura are coming with us?”

“Yes, you as an ambassador can freely travel around wherever you please, but a Justicar can legally investigate and act,” Krihana said. “Rik’Tensel’s cover will be as an Archivist working to document your travels and meetings, Zura’s cover will be on the ship crew working in communication.”

Gabriel looked at Madeline. She met his eyes and nodded, “I think this is our best shot,” she said.

“It is the best we are willing to provide,” Krihana said. “We don’t know where the Syndicate has members, we cannot exclude the Union or the Roniean government. You will therefore not report anything to me, so nothing can be intercepted, and trust me when I say no Justicars are members.”

“Alright, what are we talking about when you say transport?”

“We have a ship we are willing to loan out to you, large enough for your doctor friends and some handpicked crew. You may bring whomever you wish, but try to keep the details of this mission quiet.”

“Deal,” Gabriel said and extended a hand. Krihana grabbed his hand with both her upper arms.

“This is a very big opportunity we have, try to make the best of it.”

“And my arrested Roniean friend?” Gabriel asked.

“I’ll keep you updated. Now, gathering a crew will take some time, give me your pcu.” Gabriel handed over his, and Krihana looked at it, and seeing that it was in English she handed it back. “Miss Nioni, your pcu please,” she said instead. Madeline handed hers over and Krihana put in her number. “There, tell me what positions you have personnel for, if any. Pilot, Captain, Head and second communications and lead engineer is off-limits.”

Madeline nodded, “We will.”

“Good,” Krihana said and stood up. “Then I wish you luck, once you are done here, go left down the corridor, take the elevator to the ground floor and get the badges provided by the reception.” Krihana nodded professionally and left the room. Rik’Tensel and Zura looked at each other, then both took a seat.

“So,” Zura said, looking at Gabriel. “I heard you humans are pretty strong.”

“I won't fight you,” Gabriel said immediately.

Zura smiled, “I don’t fight my coworkers, but I have read the rapports on you. Though most are without visual confirmations or recordings, simply statements.”

“Well, I have not read them myself but I suppose all given by Kanthuas crew and Miss Nioni are correct,” Gabriel said.

“Yes,” Madeline confirmed.

“As we will be working together Rik’Tensel and I would like to confirm your fighting capabilities,” Zura said in a professional tone. Gabriel assumed they were satisfying their curiosity as well but it couldn’t hurt.

“Fine,” He agreed. “But can we take it tomorrow?” Gabriel’s stomach was beginning to rumble. They had landed just about at dinnertime and now the usual time had passed by over two hours.

“Yes, of course. Do you have lodgings?”

Gabriel looked questioning at Madeline. “No,” she said. “I suppose we can stay on my father’s ship while they are still here, but we need somewhere to sleep if this takes more than two or three days.”

“It likely will,” Rik’Tensel said. “We work fast, but gathering a trusted crew that can travel for possibly months and getting them acquainted with a ship takes time.”

Gabriel nodded. He supposed having a crew that specific on standby for a Xeno ambassador was not a priority. “So, the Justicars don’t have a crew standing by?”

“No,” Zura said. “We usually only work in pairs. One handler and one agent.” She tilted her head towards Rik’Tensel, her two tentacles both twitched in the same direction. “We change, based on who is more qualified for the specific mission.”

“It might be a little late to ask, but you Justicars seem pretty secretive, is it alright to tell us all this?” Gabriel asked as the thought entered his head.

Zura did a weird shrug, twitching both tentacles on her head and her head to the side. “If you are going after the syndicate we will work together for several weeks. You will likely learn some just by happenstance.”

“I suppose,” Gabriel said in agreement as his stomach rumbled again. “Sorry, where can we get some food? Preferably with fire-root.”

“And without fire-root for me,” Madeline added.

“There is a cafeteria on the ground floor,” Rik’Tensel said. “We can talk to Krihana about lodgings for you if you wish.”

“That would be great, thank you,” Gabriel said and stood.

“So, food, then back to the ship to pick up our stuff and say goodbye?” Madeline asked. They all filed out of the room. Gabriel and Madeline headed left for the elevator while Rik’Tensel and Zura went right.

“Yep, who do you think is willing to come along?” Gabriel asked her.

“Well, Alith and Morthri of course, Sen’Chakar maybe? I haven’t heard him talk about his plans. Cani might be willing but I don’t know.”

Gabriel grabbed her hand, “We’ll see I suppose. First, food...”