Chapter 25: Reunion
Rosalyn Quark's office overlooked the sprawling metropolis of Axiom Prime. Sarah stood by the window, her reflection barely visible against the cityscape.
"I've arranged for you to meet Sky Reach at the Nebula Auction," Rosalyn said, her voice cutting through Sarah's thoughts. "It's the best I could do on short notice."
Sarah turned, her face a mask of calm. "Thank you. I appreciate your effort."
Rosalyn studied Sarah closely. "You seem... disappointed. Is there a problem with the card-washing technology?"
Sarah hesitated, then decided on a half-truth. "I'm surprised it was banned. It seemed like such a promising innovation."
"Ah," Rosalyn nodded, understanding dawning on her face. "Politics, my dear. Sometimes progress threatens the wrong people."
Sarah's jaw tightened imperceptibly. She knew all too well about progress threatening people. Wasn't that why she was here?
"The auction is in three days," Rosalyn continued. "I trust you'll be prepared?"
Sarah nodded. "Of course. If you'll excuse me, I have some preparations to make."
Back in her temporary quarters, Sarah shed the elegant outfit Buddy had insisted on, replacing it with her familiar cargo pants. She felt more like herself, more in control.
A holographic message from Buddy flickered to life. "Sarah, I'm sorry I can't accompany you to the auction. Film promotion, you understand. But I've transferred five million credits to your account as an advance. Good luck!"
Sarah acknowledged the message, her mind already racing ahead. The auction. Sky Reach. Zephyr. It was all coming together.
As she made final adjustments to her outfit, Sarah's thoughts drifted to the Lotus. If she could secure it, it would serve as the perfect alibi for what she planned to do after the auction.
The night of the auction arrived. Sarah entered the grand hall, her eyes scanning the crowd. That's when she saw him - Jake, now going by the name Alexis Thorn. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Sarah knew her task had just become more complicated.
The Hunter's Organization was here, which meant she needed to be extra cautious. But it also meant she had to act fast.
As the auction proceeded, Sarah's mind was already several steps ahead. Meet Sky Reach. Confront Zephyr. Secure the Lotus. And then... justice. Or was it vengeance?