2. Davrik
CHAPTER 2
DAVRIK
T he hum of the ship's engines vibrates through my bones as I navigate through the asteroid belt. My fingers dance across the control panel, adjusting our course with practiced precision.
During the Centuries War, the Coaltion would bring refugees here before moving them to various other parts of the galaxy. Now, those refugee camps in the various asteroids are long abandoned. But the tachyon emissions that keep them unable to be scanned continue to pose a problem.
"Navi, how're we looking?" I ask, my eyes scanning the vast expanse of space before me.
"Oh, you know, just peachy. If by peachy you mean surrounded by giant space rocks that could turn us into cosmic dust at any moment," the AI responds, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I can't help but chuckle. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"
"Left it back on solid ground, along with my ability to feel terror. Unlike some blue-skinned daredevils I know."
A proximity alert blares, and I bank hard to port, narrowly missing a chunk of rock the size of a small moon. My heart races, but I keep my cool. This is what I live for.
"Incoming transmission," Navi announces. "It's your favorite criminal mastermind."
I take a deep breath, steeling myself. "Put him through."
Freynal's gravelly voice fills the cockpit. "Davrik, my boy. How's my package?"
"Safe and sound, boss. We're making good time through the belt. Should be at the rendezvous point in about three days."
"Excellent. I knew I could count on you. You've never let me down."
I feel a twinge of pride at his words, even though I know I shouldn't. "Just doing my job, Freynal. You know me."
"That I do. And that's why you're the best. Keep it up, and there might be a bonus in it for you."
The transmission cuts out, and I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding.
"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Navi teases. "He likes you. Hey, I have an idea. Why don't we take a peek at whatever's got him paying extra for a rush job? You know you're curious."
I roll my eyes. "Can it, Navi. I don't need to know what's in that cargo hold, and I don't want to know. Let's just get this job done."
"Whatever you say, boss. But maybe next time, try delivering flowers or puppies instead of mysterious packages for dangerous criminals. Just a thought."
"Keep it up, I'll use that bonus to reprogram whatever weird personality your last owner gave you," I say, half joking.
I ignore her jab and focus on the task at hand. The payload sits heavy in my ship's hold, a constant reminder of the precarious line I walk. But as I weave through another cluster of asteroids, I can't deny the thrill that courses through me. This is what I'm good at, what I was born to do.
And as long as I keep my wits about me and my mouth shut, I'll keep flying high above the law, just out of reach.
As I navigate the last stretch of the asteroid belt, a nagging feeling tugs at the back of my mind. Better safe than sorry.
"Hey Navi, do me a favor and run a scan for lifeforms before we exit this rock party," I say, my fingers still dancing across the controls.
"Oh sure, because that's not ominous at all," Navi quips. "Scanning now. Try not to hold your breath, it might take a minute."
I roll my eyes. "Just do it, smartass."
The ship hums as Navi runs the scan. I take the moment to stretch, my muscles protesting after hours of tense piloting. The vastness of space stretches out before me, a canvas of infinite possibilities—and dangers.
"Scan complete," Navi announces. "And drumroll please... absolutely nothing. Not even a space amoeba. Congratulations, you're officially the loneliest Kaleidian in this sector."
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Perfect. Let's get out of this asteroid field and into some open space. I need a break."
"Aw, is the big bad smuggler tired?" Navi teases as I maneuver us out of the last cluster of rocks.
"Even the best need to refuel sometimes," I retort, finally relaxing as we enter clearer space.
I engage the autopilot and push away from the console. My stomach growls, reminding me it's been hours since my last meal. I float towards the small galley, my movements graceful in the artificial gravity.
"You know," Navi's voice follows me, "most people would find this life unbearably lonely. Just you, me, and the endless void of space."
I snort as I rummage through the food storage. "Most people aren't cut out for this life. But me? I wouldn't have it any other way."
"Oh please, regale me with tales of your smuggling prowess while you eat your sad, rehydrated dinner," Navi says dryly.
I chuckle, warming up a packet of what passes for food out here. "Mock all you want, but I'm the best at what I do. Freynal doesn't trust just anyone with jobs like this."
"Yes, I'm sure your parents are so proud. Their son, the galaxy's premier delivery boy for criminals."
I pause, the food halfway to my mouth. "Hey, it's not about pride. It's about freedom. Out here, I answer to no one but myself."
"And Freynal," Navi adds helpfully. "And every other crime lord signing your paychecks."
I wave dismissively. "Details. The point is, I'm good at this. I get to see the galaxy, live on my own terms. Sure, it gets lonely sometimes, but..."
"But?" Navi prompts.
I sigh, looking out the viewport at the star-studded blackness. "But it's worth it. This is where I belong."
I'm about to take another bite of my rehydrated meal when Navi starts making a series of distressed beeping sounds. Before I can ask what's wrong, a violent jolt rocks the ship, sending my food flying across the galley.
"What the hell?" I shout, scrambling back to the cockpit. "Navi, how did you not pick that up?"
"That's what I was trying to tell you!" Navi's voice crackles with static. "A ship just appeared out of nowhere. It's like it materialized right next to us!"
My stomach drops. "Pirates. They're using a hacked stealth module." I slide back into the pilot's seat, my fingers flying over the controls. "Give me a damage report."
"Port thrusters are down to 60%. Shield integrity at 75% and dropping," Navi rattles off. "They're coming around for another pass."
I grit my teeth, engaging evasive maneuvers. The stars blur as I push the ship into a tight spiral. "Can you get a lock on them?"
"Negative. Their stealth tech is scrambling our targeting systems. Thrusters are also down, and oh, even better! A fuel leak!"
Another blast rocks the ship, and warning alarms blare throughout the cockpit. I curse under my breath, trying to outmaneuver our attackers. But it's like fighting a ghost – I can't see them until it's too late.
"Davrik, I hate to state the obvious, but we're outgunned," Navi says, her usual sarcasm replaced by genuine concern. "That ship is at least three times our size."
I spot a massive cruiser decloaking off our starboard side. Its hull is scarred and patchwork, a clear sign of a ship cobbled together from stolen parts. "I see it. Any bright ideas?"
"Well, we could always politely ask them to leave us alone," Navi quips.
"Now's not the time for—" My retort is cut short as another blast slams into us. The ship lurches, and I feel the sickening sensation of free fall. "Navi, what's happening?"
"We're losing altitude fast. The last hit took out our stabilizers. We're being pulled into the planet's gravity well."
I fight with the controls, trying to level us out, but it's no use. The ship's nose dips, and I watch in horror as the planet's surface rushes up to meet us. "Can you plot an emergency landing trajectory?"
"I'm an AI, not a miracle worker," Navi snaps. "Brace for impact!"
The ship enters the atmosphere, and the cockpit becomes an inferno of heat and noise. I strap myself in, my knuckles white on the controls as I try to guide us down in some semblance of control.
"If we survive this," I shout over the roar, "remind me to install better shields!"
"If we survive this, I'll remind you to find a new career!" Navi retorts, her voice starting to digitally degrade.
The ground looms ever closer, and I close my eyes, bracing for impact.