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I set coordinates for the Ridox Galaxy where Zeva is nestled, check the tellic levels inside the fuel reservoir and hover my finger over the hyper-drive. "All strapped in?"
Cora's gaze lingers on me while she tugs at the straps holding her in the seat. "I'm good, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for another harrowing flight through—"
Her words are cut off the moment my finger engages the hyper-drive. The stars blur and streak across the viewport as we shoot through space with a force that knocks us back in our seats. The stars outside the window blur together, making it seem like we're inside a tunnel streaked with light.
We zip past planets, star clusters and asteroids as they race by in a blur, my Bioti Nebula Slayer navigating through them with ease. Cora's grip tightens on her seat as she looks at the passing objects outside the viewport with a mix of awe and fear.
After a few seconds, we reach our destination and come out of the hyper-jump directly in front of the asteroid field that keeps the planet I call home out of reach. Most aren't brazen enough to risk flying through unpredictable space debris to reach a star system with nothing of value worth losing your life over.
I'm particularly talented at maneuvering through unpredictable obstacles, a critical skill when it comes to my chosen vocation and avoiding capture. I glance over at Cora, who seems to have regained her composure after our wild ride.
I expertly navigate my ship through the field, dodging and weaving around the floating rocks that could damage my ship beyond repair or destroy us completely. I easily make it through and set a course for Zeva.
As my ship draws nearer to the solar system, I gaze upon the enchanting sight. Before me, Zeva is a resplendent gem amid an ebony tapestry of stars. We fly toward the planet, and my muscles tense, every nerve ending tingling with impatience to breathe the sweet air. Even the soles of my feet ache to be planted on familiar soil. It seems as if an eternity has passed since last I was home.
As we descend toward the planet's surface, details of the landscape become more clear, lush green forests, crystal blue lakes, and majestic waterfalls spill that from every mountain peak. An unspoiled beauty unmarred by the progress of species. A paradise untouched by people, preserved in time, forgotten by the Universe.
I take a deep breath and let the beauty of Zeva wash over me. Peace is to be found here, knowing that no one will ever find us. Not even Qhix knows about this place.
I start my descent, flying lower and lower until I reach a ravine hidden within the lush vegetation of the landscape. I lower the ship inside, and the sight that greets us is breathtaking. A waterfall cascades down the side of a cliff, creating a small lake at its base. Trees surround us on all sides, providing shelter from prying eyes.
Once we’ve landed, I spend a moment to taking in the beauty of the ravine through the viewport before I shut down the ship. Cora is already unstrapping from her seat as I power down the engines.
Her eyes sparkle as she declares, "Now this is a planet worth looking at."
We stand together as I open the hatch. Sweet, sultry air wafts inside. The musical thunder of the waterfall, provides a soothing serenade.
Cora steps out of the ship first, as if beckoned by the stunning scenery. Her eyes widen as she peers around, taking in the beauty of my hidden oasis.
"This place is too beautiful to be real," she whispers.
"My home is this way." I reach out a hand and she lay her much smaller one in mine. I stare at where we’re chastely joined and swallow through the knot forming in my throat. The barricade I erected around myself all those years ago is cracking, and I’m not sure if I’m ready for it to crumble to dust.
There's no stopping the fissures already formed from growing larger. Cora's hand is warm in mine, and I can feel her pulse thrumming against my flesh.
I’ve never been one to fear anything. I’ve faced many an enemy with no hesitation or trepidation, fought and won against the most formidable foes, yet this tiny human has the power to bring me to my knees with a single look.
Together, we make our way through the dense foliage, following a path only I know. The trees are thick and tall, diffusing the sunlight to a soft glow. The ground is wet from a recent rainfall, and birdsong can be heard all around us.
I push aside thick vines laden with huge leaves, exposing what appears to be solid rock. I reach into a crevice and trigger the rock to shift aside, revealing a hidden door, then pull out a small device and attach it to the wall. A few moments later, the door slides open, revealing a staircase leading down into darkness.
Palming a solaris rock left at the entrance to light our way, clutching Cora's hand, we descend into the depths of my home using winding stairs hewn from solid rock. The door glides soundlessly closed behind us.
“It took me a week to cut these steps with a laser,” I tell her.
She holds tightly to my hand. “How far down does this go?”
“About thirty feet.”
“So, you live in a hole in the ground?” I hear her gulp from where she follows close behind me.
“No,” I smirk. “Just wait and I’ll show you.”
As we walk, the soft glow of the solaris rocks embedded in the walls illuminates our path. The air grows cooler, and the sound of our footsteps echoes off the stone walls.
We reach the bottom of the staircase and come to a solid metalloid slab. It would take days and a high velocity laser cannon to cut through the thick material if my passage were ever found. I slip my hand into a crevice where I hid the locking mechanism and press my hand against the scanner. The door slides open with a soft hiss.
We step inside and are greeted by a generously sized room filled with artifacts from all corners of the Universe. A space pirate’s booty of ancient weapons, gadgets, and other mysterious objects line the walls, each with its own story to tell of how I acquired them.
