Dex had finally settled into the ship. Yet his mind buzzed with one obsession: improving Kal's weapons and armor. Days passed with no new bounties coming in, and the quiet hum of the ship only seemed to amplify Dex's enthusiasm. One day, he approached Kal with a grin, rubbing his hands together as if he had cracked the secret to eternal energy.
"I've been thinking," Dex began, pulling out a hastily sketched blueprint, "your weapons and armor? Totally outdated. I mean, no offense, but I could turn that gear into something truly legendary."
Kal leaned back in his chair, eyeing Dex skeptically. "Dex, you've been on this ship for days, and you haven't stopped talking about upgrades. What do you want this time?"
Dex smirked. "Picture this—unbreakable plating, precision-targeting upgrades, adaptive camouflage, and weapons that respond to your movements like they're alive."
Kal raised an eyebrow, almost interested. "Sounds impressive, but knowing you, there's a catch."
"Well...yeah," Dex admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "I'll need a few materials."
"Where?" Kal asked, crossing his arms.
Dex unfolded a map, pointing to an abandoned planet shrouded in mystery. "Here. Once the home of a giant tech company—before it all went to hell. Now it's occupied by a faction of cyborgs. Loads of high-grade tech and rare materials just waiting for us. Oh, and their leader? Big bounty on his head."
Kal slammed his hand on the table, standing abruptly. "Are you serious? That's insane. I'm not going to take on a whole faction just because you want some fancy scrap metal."
Dex grinned, undeterred by Kal's frustration. "You don't have to fight the whole faction. Just sneak in, grab the goods, and sneak out. Think about the payout! The upgrades! The glory!"
Kal stared at Dex, exasperated. "If—and that's a big if—I agree to this, those upgrades better be revolutionary."
"They'll be the stuff of legends, I swear!" Dex promised with a glint in his eye.
Kal shook his head. "I'll think about it. But first, I have a stop to make."
"Where to?" Dex asked, leaning closer.
"You're not coming. Stay on the ship," Kal said flatly as he grabbed his gear.
Dex, predictably, protested, but Kal ignored him. Sara watched the exchange, smiling faintly. "Go on. I can manage things here," she reassured Kal, though she cast a warning glance at Dex.
Kal boarded his ship with Lian at his side. Of course, Dex, fully dressed and ready, followed behind, ignoring Kal's protests.
"If you're going where I think you're going," Dex said, "you'll need me. I've got some research to do that could help in the long run."
Kal sighed. "Fine. Just don't get in my way."
---
The ship zoomed across the galaxy, heading for a destination two-thirds of the way from the Galactic Core. Kal's ship finally reached its destination: Earth. Once the cradle of humanity, it now stood as a distant memory of what was, largely abandoned by its original inhabitants.
From orbit, the planet still glowed with a beauty that had stood the test of time. Towering skyscrapers pierced the clouds, shimmering in hues of silver and gold. The oceans, vast and mysterious, had swallowed most of the ancient continents, leaving behind smaller landmasses that supported massive vertical cities.
Kal and his crew descended toward one of these cities. As they landed, the light from the buildings bathed the ship in a warm, golden hue. The city was alive with activity—its citizens walked gracefully through streets illuminated by floating lights, their flowing robes catching the glow. The robes were a fusion of ancient African designs and futuristic craftsmanship. Bold patterns resembling Adinkra symbols were intricately woven with shimmering threads that changed color as the fabric moved. The hems and cuffs were lined with luminous fibers, glowing faintly in the ambient light.
Each individual wore their robe like a badge of identity, the patterns and colors symbolizing their profession, lineage, or achievements. Those in vibrant gold and turquoise with geometric patterns appeared to be scholars or leaders, while others in deep crimson and black with simpler designs carried an air of solemnity, likely protectors or warriors. The blending of tradition and advanced tech created an aura of timeless elegance.
---
Upon landing, the group was greeted by a tall man in a sleek uniform, his demeanor formal yet approachable. He scanned Kal's ID, his eyes lingering for a moment before nodding.
"He's expecting you," the man said, stepping aside to let them pass.
Dex looked at Kal, eyebrows raised. "Popular guy, huh?" he teased, earning a glare from Kal.
"Shut up. Let's go," Kal said sharply, taking Lian's hand and leading the way.
"The King is expecting you, Mr. Drakken," the greeter added, his voice filled with reverence.
Kal's eyes narrowed. He wasn't here for pleasantries, but the meeting ahead would determine his next move. With Dex trailing behind, rambling about the wonders of Earth's advancements, Kal prepared himself to face the unexpected.