● Graviton
Exact Location: The Star Lord's Palace.
Zephyr slowly walked into the garden with a cigarette in his mouth and his bodyguard, Dahila following behind him. It had become a routine for him as he did it every morning before getting on with his day.
As he continued forward, he noticed Aurora, the Star Lord's consort, sitting on a bench with a cat in her arms. He smiled and passed the cigarette to Dahila before approaching her.
"Lady Aurora, it's good to have you back at the villa."
The dark-eyed woman looked up at Zephyr while still caressing the cat's back. The white-haired man scoffed before sitting on the bench next to her.
"You've certainly reformed yourself since the last time I saw you," he said. "We were both young and you, especially beautiful…" Zephyr stopped and looked at her with a grin.
"Makes me wonder if you are still just as beautiful," he said before extending his hand to reach for the veil covering her face but she pulled away.
Zephyr clenched his fist and dropped his hand by his side. "You've changed so much, a bit too religious I'd say… it's hard to believe you are the same woman I used to fool around with some years back." He chuckled.
"You know, when I think back, I used to wonder what the Star Lord would do if he found out about us." He leaned back on the bench and crossed his legs. "Though part of me feels he'll do nothing..."
The dark-eyed woman stood up with the cat still in her arms. She glared at the Grey Lander before strolling away.
Meanwhile, Atlas walked swiftly through the hall of the villa. His eyes were round with a mixture of fear and shock and his chest pounded up and down, faster than his movement. He had an information that he knew would rile up the Star-Lord and he was afraid of what will happen to him, the informant.
He stopped in front of the Star Lord's chamber and exhaled deeply before hesitantly planting soft knocks on the door. "My L-lord, it is I, Atlas."
The door slid open, giving way for the human to walk through. He entered the room to find the Star Lord lying almost motionless on his bed. For the first few seconds, he felt a sense of relief that the Star Lord was in that position before rushing to his side.
"My Lord?"
Jasper's breathing was hyperventilated and his eyes had streaks of red on each edge. Sweat formed on his forehead and his lips were starting to tear open.
"I will get the doctor immediately." The Star Lord held his hand, stopping him from moving.
"No… Atlas."
The said name turned to look at the ruler of Grey Land, keeping a concerned and worried expression on his face.
"But my Lord, you don't look well."
The Star Lord smiled and chuckled softly. "At least somebody cares about my well-being."
"What are you saying?"
"Do not speak of this to anyone, not even to the doctor," he said with a shaky voice.
Atlas frowned and curbed to his knees. "How could you ask that of me? I will not be able to live with myself if anything happens to you."
"If my condition comes out to the public, it will only incite my enemies, giving them a chance to strike," he stated. "I only want this to remain a secret at least until the Gravity Fall is over."
Atlas sighed. "I understand."
"Make sure no one enters this room except yourself, I can't have them find out."
"Yes, my Lord." The dark-haired man turned and started towards the exit but stopped as the Star Lord called him back.
"What is it… you wish to speak about?"
Atlas stayed quiet as if thinking of an answer to give. "Your health is more important my Lord, you should rest."
Jasper smiled.
The human shut the door behind himself and leaned his back on it. A wide grin crawled up his lips along with a thought in his head.
.
.
.
● Satellite
Exact Location: Zone Protection Wall.
"Listen up Sweepers," Aria said while climbing atop an elevated area. She already had her Bio-suit on and her helmet held in her hand.
She scanned through the hundreds of men and women that stood before her. "Anyone who wishes to return home to his family should leave now." The crowd all went silent and they turned their full attention to the brunette.
"You shall not be judged or looked down upon for leaving now, and I assure you that you will still hold the position you have right now."
She paused for a while, waiting for them to make their decision before speaking again as no one budged. "The operation we are about to dive into isn't a lenient one," she revealed. "Take a good look at your partners who stand by your side, because this may well be the last time you will see them as so."
"I am not trying to strike fear in your hearts, but to warn you of the dangers that await you in the Forbidden Zone… leave now if you wish to see tomorrow, for this will not be an easy task." She paused and looked at the crowd, this time, one of the many Sweepers took a step back before walking out of the room, giving others the courage to also leave the room.
One by one, more of the Sweepers began to exit the room until there were only less than half the amount of Sweepers that were initially in the room.
Aria slipped her helmet over her head and connected a few wires from the body suit to the helmet before looking up at the remaining Sweepers. "Now then, for us with very little care for our lives, let's do this."
She stepped down from the elevated area and started toward the gateway behind her that led to the Forbidden Zone.
Liam turned to Thomas and Zara who already had their helmet on. "You guys ready?" He asked.
They all nodded and joined their fist in their middle. "For this planet."
"And especially for Cole."
"Saying your little shitty prayers, Grayson boy?" Liam veered around to see Owen approaching him with his squad behind him.
"What do you want?" Liam asked.
The blonde-haired man laughed and caressed the bruise on his face. "I'm shocked you three are still here."
"I am shocked you are still here after the embarrassment from Willow."
Owen stepped forward and leaned in to whisper in the teal green-eyed man's ear. "You heard Aria, the Forbidden Zone is dangerous, so watch your back, it will be a shame if anything happens to you, especially after Mr. Jenkins."
He pulled back and walked the way Aria did with his comrades behind him.
"What did he say?" Thomas questioned.
"He threatened me."
....