Heinrich looked away from the screen. He swallowed thickly, thinking back to a month ago. A crying Doxaterian was on board. A psychic race of Far'en'ar. He heard her cries mentally. So he snuck on board. His mind slipped away from that girl to the man who used to own the ship, Drago. A nasty little, pale, blonde-haired menace. Heinrich blinked, sliding back to the present.
"It smells," Solitar said . Half turned his head, motioning to the corner.
"Let's go see if it has security footage," said Erick. He walked further down the hall.
"Found some things tucked away," said Solitar
"Like what?" Erick turned around, leaning toward him.
"Harnesses different types, swings, feathers." Solitar huffed. He grumbled on for a bit.
"So, was this a feather house?" Erick shrugged.
"Is that all you have to say?" Solitar's nostrils flared.
"Well, he isn't running a feather house. Who will pay to see a bunch of Cyrexions strip?"
"But it could have been a house. And if that is the case, what happened to the owner?"
Erick swallowed. "This kid isn't just a good doer. He seems too morally, like the wrong kind of poke my nose into it."
"Still don't like him," said Solitar.
Erick reached up and patted Solitar. "You don't have to like him."
"Not keeping my head down, either." Solitar narrowed his eyes at Erick.
"You don't have to," said Erick.
"Good."
"Do you trust me?" Erick asked.
"No."
"Still with me?" Erick questioned.
Solitar grunted, grinning. A ding sounded overhead. Please report to the cockpit, all available. We have arrived."
"That was smooth," said Erick.
"Only one jerk." Solitar narrowed his eyes. "How does a kid get hold of a ship of this quality?"
"The bigger question is, why is he emancipated? Usually, his people live in cloisters. And have a Regis. If he were a part of any service, like he claims. Solrexians just don't walk away. They get damaged."
The announcement dinged overhead again; I repeat. Please report to the cockpit."
Erick huffed, "We better go."
Heinrich squeezed his eyes shut. The silver and red curved bar retreated. He darted back to the cockpit.
He made it before Erick and Solitar.
Solitar huffed. Sneak puttered around like a mouse."
Heinrich slightly turned his head.
Solitar gently whacked Erick in the arm.
Erick rubbed it, grinning. "So." He stared out into a vast darkness, lit by some starlight.
Countless spaceships in various sizes and conditions slowly came into view. They floated in mismatched lines. Red banners with the slogan This murder, this wrong bristled against The metal of the ships. Chants echoed through the radio waves, filling the cockpit.
Heinrich held his breath, unable to look away from the display of support.
A large projected image of a woman with a deep henna shade was on a giant screen connected by multiple thin light sources. "We, the United Planetary Federation, come in peace. The residents of Saigon Six perform implants on patients as young as 6 months old. We requested they stop and wait until the age of consent."
"Do you hear this? Do you hear this? This isn't right." Heinrich muttered. He stormed over to the right end of the central control panel. He picked up a radio with a few side buttons.
Erick reached out. "Hold up, oh no. Kid…."
"They will die." Heinrich pushed the side of the communication device. " You invaded a planet of non-fighters who augment to survive their atmosphere," Heinrich yelled.
"If they believed in a higher…" the woman replied.
"No, no!" Heinrich shouted back.
"Tone the rage down…." Erick commented. "No one takes the screamers seriously."
Solitar shook his head at Erick.
"Too soon." Erick winced.
"They hit a wimpy planet," said Solitar. "They believe this will show their might. Rage is needed," said Solitar. He dropped his club and folded his arms. "Preferably with a fist."
"Look, you all are in a restricted space. We have three mother ships that are encouraged to engage if one of you fires a single shot," said the woman.
"Good, and then people will see you for what you are," said Heinrich.
"Excuse me." The woman blinked. She leaned her top half away.
"You and your Federation are big bullies. How many families are begging you?" shouted Heinrich.