The docking bay thrummed with the metallic hum of activity as Aidan followed Varn and the Velcro guards through the bustling facility. Workers in sleek uniforms moved with practiced efficiency, directing drones laden with cargo or repairing incoming ships. The faint tang of ozone and fuel lingered in the air, a sharp contrast to the lush greenery visible through the transparent dome enclosing the bay.
Aidan's gaze flicked nervously to the guards flanking them. Their faces were unreadable, but the advanced weaponry at their sides kept him on edge. Varn strode ahead, his posture relaxed, as if navigating high-stakes situations was second nature.
"Relax, kid," Varn called over his shoulder, noticing Aidan's unease. "You look like you're about to faint. They're not going to shoot us."
"Easy for you to say," Aidan muttered. "You've done this before."
Varn chuckled. "You're not wrong. Just follow my lead, and we'll be out of here in no time."
---
The guards led them into a small administrative office. Along the way, Aidan caught glimpses of life in the Velcro family's territory through large windows lining the corridors. Children played in vibrant parks, their laughter echoing as they darted beneath towering, fruit-laden trees. Adults strolled along immaculate streets, chatting amiably or tending colorful market stalls. He could not help but compare this to his life at the mines. The idyllic scenes were a stark contrast to the harsh desolation of Aeloria and the industrial grit of Vesta 7.
The office itself was spartan a single desk, a few chairs, and a holo-display projecting the Velcro family's insignia: a coiled serpent encircling a planet. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man in a crisp uniform, his sharp features softened by tired eyes.
"Captain Varn," the man began, his tone measured. "I'm Inspector Ralyn. Let's make this quick. You claim pirates attacked you in neutral space?"
Varn nodded smoothly. "That's right. We barely made it out alive. My ship's logs will confirm it."
Ralyn gestured to a console, and a guard stepped forward, connecting a data pad to the ship's systems. As the logs uploaded, Ralyn turned his attention to Aidan.
"And you?" Ralyn asked, his gaze sharp. "What's your story?"
Aidan's throat tightened. "I… I'm just traveling with Varn. He saved me from…" He hesitated, glancing at Varn for help.
"The kid's new to all this," Varn interjected smoothly. "Picked him up on a rural planet. He's got no family, no prospects. Figured I'd give him a chance to see the galaxy."
Ralyn's brow furrowed. "No identification?"
"None," Varn replied. "He's from Prythos."
Ralyn's stern demeanor softened slightly. "Prythos," he repeated, his voice tinged with pity. "That explains a lot. A planet barely holding together, surviving only through the Velcro family's donations. Overcrowded, underfunded, and struggling to provide even the basics. No wonder you ended up here."
Ralyn's gaze met Aidan's. "Do you want to go back there?"
Aidan shook his head firmly. "No. I don't have anyone left there. I came here to become a beast tamer—to earn a living and make something of myself."
Varn's eyes widened slightly, impressed by the conviction in Aidan's voice. He hadn't realized just how deeply the boy yearned for this path, a dream born from hardship and fueled by determination.
Ralyn regarded Aidan with a mix of surprise and respect. "You must've seen your share of hardship," he said softly.
Tapping a few commands into his console, he added, "We'll need to create a new identity record for you. Standard procedure. Just answer a few questions."
Aidan nodded, relief washing over him. The questions were straightforward—name, age, place of birth. Ralyn worked efficiently, his demeanor more understanding than Aidan had expected.
"All done," Ralyn said after a few minutes. "You'll receive a temporary ID for now. A permanent one will be issued after further verification."
"Thanks, Inspector," Varn said sincerely.
Ralyn offered Aidan a small smile. "Good luck on your journey. I hope you achieve your dream."
As they left the office, Aidan couldn't shake the inspector's words. For the first time, someone had acknowledged his ambition without skepticism.
---
After leaving the office, Varn found a modest hotel for them to rest and eat. The ordeal had left both of them starving. Dinner was simple but satisfying, and the weight of the day began to lift.
In their small room a space with two beds and a table, Aidan slumped into a chair, his nerves finally settling. Varn leaned against the wall, a satisfied grin on his face.
"See? Told you it'd be fine," Varn said. "Most of the people working for the Velcro family are decent folk."
"Easy for you to say," Aidan replied. "You've done this a hundred times. I've never even left my planet before."
Varn's grin faded slightly. He pulled up a chair and sat across from Aidan, his tone turning serious. "Kid, you've got potential. More than you realize. But you're not going to survive out here without a plan."
Aidan frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I know you hate Aeloria and the Darnath family. You want revenge. But they're not small-time targets. They're powerful, and you'll need more than anger to face them."
Aidan's jaw tightened. "I know. And it's not just them. I want to eliminate all the beasts in the world."
Varn sighed softly. The boy's ambition was both admirable and naive. But instead of discouraging him, Varn chose to channel that fire.
"You've got the drive," Varn said. "But to achieve anything, you need training, resources, and a proper foundation."
Aidan's eyes widened. "Are you saying…"
"You need a future," Varn continued. "And I've got one in mind for you. The Beast Taming Academy."
Aidan blinked. "The academy? Isn't that for rich kids from big families?"
"Mostly, yeah," Varn admitted. "But in Velcro territory, it's open to anyone with the skill and determination. The next entrance application is in three days. To qualify, you'll need to tame a beast and reach the black rank."
Aidan hesitated. The idea of becoming a beast tamer was thrilling but daunting. "Do you think I can do it?" he asked quietly.
Varn's expression softened. "Kid, I've seen people with every advantage fail and people with nothing succeed. You've got a spark. All you need is a chance."
Aidan nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll do it."
"I will become strong"
Varn knows that fighting against someone like a Darnath family is nothing but a pipe dream but he at least wants the kid to have a good future and becoming a beast tamer is the best profession out there.
Varn clapped him on the shoulder. "Good. Tomorrow, we'll head to the egg repository of this planet. If we don't find anything, we'll visit a nearby Velcro branch family planet. Either way, you'll find the right beast to tame. No pressure."
Aidan's heart raced at the thought. His journey was just beginning.