Aventus returned to the pod room, his movements calm and deliberate as he stepped inside. The faint hum of the training pods greeted him, and Elara glanced up from her console, raising an eyebrow at his arrival.
"Back already?" she asked, smirking faintly. "Didn't take you long."
Aventus gave a small shrug, his indigo eyes scanning the pods. "I need to stay sharp," he said simply, his voice carrying a quiet determination. "I've got a few days before I'm out of here. Might as well make them count."
-----
The station's intercom had buzzed earlier that day, notifying Aventus of his departure plans. A resource carrier, The Argent Pursuit, would be arriving within a few days to transport him back to the heart of the known 'verse. The Drift, located on the outskirts of explored space, was quiet and isolated—a stark contrast to the bustling life he would be returning to.
The carrier would be his ticket to the galaxy at large, but it also meant leaving behind the strange, grim camaraderie he'd started to find aboard the station. K'Raal's grudging respect, Elara's sharp wit, the unspoken weight of proving himself—all of it would stay here.
-----
The deep hum of Horizon Drift's systems was interrupted by a sharp chime, followed by the cool, measured voice of the station's automated intercom.
"Attention all personnel. Incoming vessel: The Argent Pursuit. ETA: 15 minutes. Docking at Bay 7."
Aventus heard the announcement as he stepped out of the pod room, his muscles loose and his mind sharper than it had been in days. The simulations had served their purpose, refining his focus and allowing him to channel the simmering energy that had been building since his awakening. Now, it was time to leave.
The corridors of Horizon Drift were a mix of activity and routine as he made his way toward the docking bays. Crew members moved with purpose, some giving him brief nods of acknowledgment, others sparing him curious glances. By now, word of his presence—and his encounter with the Trauma Crawler—had spread throughout the station. He wasn't just another wanderer anymore; he was someone of note.
As he approached Bay 7, the massive docking doors were already beginning to shift open, revealing the approaching bulk of The Argent Pursuit. The carrier was a massive, industrial vessel, its hull painted a utilitarian gray with streaks of black from years of service. Its design was practical, with reinforced plating and large cargo holds built to haul valuable resources across vast distances. The ship's thrusters burned a steady blue as it adjusted its trajectory for docking, and a faint vibration ran through the station as the magnetic locks engaged.
Aventus stopped just outside the observation window, his indigo eyes narrowing as he studied the ship. Its size was imposing, even from this distance, and the faint scarring on its hull spoke of its journeys through more dangerous sectors. This wasn't a sleek transport—it was a workhorse, built to survive the unforgiving fringes of the galaxy.
Behind him, the sound of boots approached. Aventus turned slightly to see K'Raal, his tall, reptilian form as composed as ever. The Head of Security stopped beside him, his amber eyes flicking toward the carrier.
"That's your ride," K'Raal said, his deep voice even. "It'll get you where you need to go."
Aventus turned fully, facing K'Raal with a faint, almost reflective expression. The faint hum of the station and the distant clank of docking clamps filled the air around them as the carrier settled into place.
"It's been quite the experience," Aventus said, his voice steady, though there was a subtle edge of sincerity beneath his usual calm. "But it's time to head on to other things. Maybe I'll go see how my homeworld's doing."
K'Raal's amber eyes narrowed slightly, his crest twitching faintly. "If it's still there," he said, his tone blunt but not unkind. "Two centuries is a long time for any planet to stay the same."
Aventus smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth curving just enough to show amusement. "True. Guess I'll find out soon enough."
He extended a hand toward K'Raal, his long fingers steady despite the weight of the moment. For a brief second, K'Raal hesitated, his sharp gaze flicking between Aventus's face and the offered hand. Then, with a deliberate motion, the reptilian security lead clasped Aventus's hand in his own, his grip firm and unyielding.
"Don't die out there," K'Raal said, his voice low but with a flicker of respect beneath his usual cold demeanor. "The galaxy doesn't get easier past this station."
Aventus nodded once, his indigo eyes locking with K'Raal's. "Don't worry. I'm not done yet."
K'Raal released his hand, stepping back as Aventus turned toward the airlock. Without another word, Aventus strode forward, the clank of his boots echoing in the docking bay. The station's artificial lighting cast long shadows across the walls as he stepped through the hatch and into The Argent Pursuit.
As the airlock hissed shut behind him, Aventus allowed himself one last glance back at Horizon Drift, its silhouette framed by the stark glow of the docking lights. The station had been a strange chapter in his journey, but now it was time to move forward—into the unknown, toward whatever awaited him in the stars.
-----
As The Argent Pursuit approached its destination, Aventus stood by one of the carrier's narrow observation windows. The hum of the ship's engines filled the air as the colossal form of Von Braun V came into view, eclipsing the distant stars. Even from here, its scale was staggering—easily dwarfing Horizon Drift. The station orbited close to a blazing sun, its massive solar arrays glinting in the fiery light like the outstretched wings of some mechanical titan.
Von Braun V was a marvel of engineering, a hub of trade, science, and diplomacy that drew countless ships from every corner of the 'verse. Its design was intricate yet functional, with concentric rings spinning at various speeds, each serving a distinct purpose. The station's core was a glowing sphere, pulsing faintly with energy harvested directly from the nearby sun. Smaller satellites hovered around the main structure, connected by shimmering beams of light that seemed to guide incoming vessels to their docking points.
Aventus leaned closer to the glass, his indigo eyes narrowing as he studied the station. It was a stark contrast to the isolation of Horizon Drift. Von Braun V was alive—vibrant and bustling with activity. Streams of ships, from sleek passenger cruisers to massive cargo haulers, moved in precise patterns, guided by the station's advanced traffic control systems.
The intercom crackled to life, snapping Aventus out of his thoughts. "Attention passengers," came the steady voice of the carrier's captain. "We are now approaching Von Braun V. Prepare for docking in five minutes. Please ensure all personal items are secured."
Aventus pushed off the wall, adjusting his gear as he made his way to the docking bay. The carrier's interior was utilitarian, its corridors narrow and dimly lit, a far cry from the sleek aesthetics of the massive station looming ahead. He felt the faint jolt of the ship aligning with its designated dock, followed by the smooth hiss of the airlock as it connected to the station.
When the hatch opened, the stark industrial design of the carrier gave way to the polished corridors of Von Braun V. The station was immense, its interior a blend of advanced technology and bustling life. The docking area alone was larger than any single section of Horizon Drift, with towering cargo cranes, streams of passengers, and vendors hawking goods to newly arrived travelers.
Aventus stepped into the flow of the crowd, his tall, lanky frame cutting through the sea of beings from countless species. The air was thick with the hum of conversation, punctuated by the occasional announcement over the station's intercom. Overhead, massive holographic displays projected advertisements, station maps, and real-time updates on trade shipments and ship arrivals.
He paused near a terminal, its sleek interface glowing faintly. The display offered a map of the station, highlighting key areas—commercial districts, research hubs, and residential zones. Von Braun V wasn't just a station; it was a city in orbit.
A faint smirk crossed Aventus's face as he took it all in. "Well," he muttered to himself, adjusting the strap of his gear, "this is going to be interesting."
His indigo eyes flicked across the map, considering his next move. Whether he sought answers about the two centuries he'd lost, supplies for his journey, or simply a quiet corner to reflect, Von Braun V had everything he could need—and far more.