The infinite number of stars appeared as tiny, multicolored specs of light to Zaya as she stared out into space from a viewport in her suite. Some of the stars she saw could have been planets; which ones, she didn’t know. Someone with a trained eye could point them out. But Zaya didn’t know much about using the stars as a map. When she looked upon them, she saw their miraculous beauty, not their usefulness. The stars were the one constant in her life. They were always there for her to admire when she was bored or cry to when she must. She was often alone because of the life she lived. Trusting people was stupid and quite impossible; therefore, she had no friends. Money wasn’t a constant either; she never knew when her next job would come. At least working for Coran would give her a more stable income, but she couldn’t count on the paychecks as most workers could. Only the stars were always there for her. Zaya chose to say goodbye to a normal, easy life in exchange for a dangerous one. Her life was only good for someone who enjoys being on the run and who doesn’t mind hurting people, sometimes good people.

Zaya knew her life wasn’t good for her. Deep inside she knew.

But she didn’t care. She chose this life.

Zaya walked away from the viewport and sat on a sofa. Coran was generous enough to allow her to stay in a large suite. It wasn’t too often that she was able to rest somewhere this luxurious.

Zaya stretched out on the sofa and closed her eyes to fall asleep. Nearly at the moment she had fully relaxed, she heard a knock at the door. Zaya first waited to see if the person would go away, but she wasn’t that lucky. Instead the person continually knocked harder.

Zaya shouted loudly. “COME IN!”

“The door’s locked,” a feminine voice replied firmly.

Zaya unlocked the door and slid it open. She looked up at the redheaded woman, Lorelei. She tried to press the keypad to shut the door in Lorelei’s face, but Lorelei stood in the threshold. “What do you want?”

Lorelei brushed a long coil of red hair behind her shoulder. “Hello, Zaya, I just wanted to talk to you.”

“What, to gloat or something? You can keep him to yourself. I could care less.” Zaya plopped down on the sofa and placed her feet on the small table in front of her.

Lorelei cautiously sat on the opposite side of the sofa. “So you still hate me because of Hale. Don’t you?”

“Hale is the last thing I want to talk about, especially with you.” Zaya couldn’t rehash old drama with her. Mentally, she didn’t have the energy. Fighting with Lorelei wouldn’t change Hale’s past choices.

“Fine with me. This has nothing to do with us anyway. I came to ask when do you plan on leaving to search for Hale?”

Zaya stared up at the ceiling. “Why do you care? Aren’t you with Coran now?”

Lorelei shrugged. “Hale and I weren’t ever a real couple officially. I’m asking about Hale because of what you said earlier to Coran.”

“What about it?”

“Do you really plan to kill him?” Lorelei questioned. If she were desperate to know, she hid it well from.

“You have a serious boyfriend. Why do you care about Hale exactly?” Zaya asked. “Wouldn’t it be better for you if Hale was out of the picture.”

“Coran is my boyfriend and I plan to stay with him. I have a much better life with him. But Hale is... special,” Lorelei answered.

Lorelei didn’t need to say anything more. Zaya understood what she meant by special. Her cheeks burned from the thought of Hale that way. “I thought you didn’t get along with him?”

Lorelei gave a short laugh. “No, I definitely don’t. But I still need him.”

Zaya rolled her eyes. “You don’t need him. You want him. He’s just one guy though. I’m sure there are plenty other guys who can—”

Lorelei cut her off. “No, trust me. I’ve tried. You don’t understand because you don’t know him like I do. I don’t think anyone else does.”

Zaya withheld the smile her lips wanted to make. Of course she didn’t know Hale just like Lorelei. But Zaya probably knew him better. “Whatever. He’s annoying. And I’m tired of hearing how great he is.”

Lorelei grabbed Zaya’s arm. “Don’t kill him.”

“Coran wants him dead. And so do I.”

“You’re not listening,” Lorelei growled. “I’ll pay you. I’ll match whatever Coran is paying you to find him.”

Double pay? For not killing Hale? “I suppose I can live with that.” She pretended to agree. She couldn’t make a decision of that magnitude quickly, but she wanted to keep her options open. She could decide whether or not to follow through later.

“Really?”

“That’s too much money to pass on. I’m just shocked you care that much about him,” Zaya answered..

“It’s complicated. Last time we parted ways, I said some things I really regret,” Lorelei replied. “But honestly this isn’t about him. It’s more for me.” She winked.

“Must be nice to have that much to spend on a guy,” Zaya said sarcastically.

Lorelei sighed deeply. “I made the mistake of telling him I was done with him for good. I made it very clear. I have to make it up to him somehow, or he’ll never come back.”

Zaya sat up and crossed her arms. “He probably doesn’t care much about you right now. I’m sure he’s having a good time with the princess.”

Lorelei shrugged nonchalantly. “That’s probable. I just want him to come back every now and again.”

“Yeah, alright, Lorelei. I get it.”

“It’s too bad you hate Hale so much that you don’t even get to enjoy him,” Lorelei said, walking to the door.

“Goodbye,” Zaya grumbled.

“Have a wonderful day,” Lorelei smiled cheerily as she left the suite

Zaya leaped up from the couch to the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and pulled out a drink. She craved the taste of alcohol. Before she could take one sip, she heard a knock on the door. Zaya threw her drink on the floor, shattering the glass bottle, and stomped to the door. She shoved the door open.

This time it was one of Coran’s guards.

“WHAT DOES HE WANT NOW?” Zaya shouted in the guards face.

The guard stepped back, placing distance between himself and Zaya. “He wants to talk about your mission.”

“It’s about time. Lead the way,” Zaya said as she slid the door shut behind her.

* * * *

Pandora rubbed her eyes. Underneath the soft sheets surrounding her, she was still half asleep. A constant, dull knocking had woken her, and it continued as she turned over. She wished the noise would stop. With her senses not yet lucid, Pandora couldn’t figure out what was causing that annoying sound. The knocking grew louder with each second. And then she heard someone call her name.

She sat up and squinted her eyes open. She didn’t see anyone.

Another knock.

Pandora looked at the bedroom door and saw a shadow from the door crack. She threw the sheets off herself and rolled out of bed. The marble flooring froze her feet as she stepped to the door.

“What?” She said loudly, knowing Hale was on the other side.

“Took you long enough! We have to get going!”

Before Pandora could say anything, she heard him running back to the bridge. She was used to his impatience by this time.

Pandora slipped on her suit and ran her fingers through her hair. She checked herself in a mirror before rushing out the bedroom. When she reached the bridge, her rapid movement caused her to twist her foot awkwardly, and she began to fall. Luckily for her she fell onto Hale, who managed to catch her. But unluckily for Hale, Pandora stepped on his foot... again.

He clenched his jaw shut and glared at her.

Pandora leaped away from him. “Uh, sorry.”

“Are you doing it on purpose?” He muttered in annoyance.

“No, I promise.” Pandora bit her lip, anxiously waiting for him to lash out.

But he didn’t.

He huffed once more and then stepped down the exit ramp. “Let’s go, okay.”

Pandora timidly followed him.

“You should wear the mask. I don’t know exactly how many people will be there.”

“Oh, right. Thanks for reminding me,” Pandora said.

He pressed his lips together and nodded.

As they walked across the landing zone, Pandora noticed that Hale was holding something round in his left arm. She carefully stepped closer to him for a better look. The round object appeared to be a helmet, one that would completely cover his head and conceal his identity.

She wondered why he brought it. Previously, he seemed to find no need in hiding his identity. Perhaps he brought it for extra protection. How dangerous was this job going to be exactly?

Once they had cleared the landing zone, Hale led her down an alleyway that twisted through the edges of the village. It was a faster route to the exit and entrance.

Someone was waiting for them there. He was wearing a helmet similar to the one Hale held.

“You two certainly took your time.” Pandora recognized that the voice was Jake’s.

“You’re just early,” Hale retorted.

Hale put his helmet on as they left the village. Pandora noticed how similar Jake’s and Hale’s armor appeared, not exactly alike but similar. And both were were well-worn looking. She wondered how long they had known each other. She wasn’t sure she should ask about it because personal questions seemed to set Hale off.

But did that really qualify as question too personal to ask? There was an easy way to find that out.

“Hale,” Pandora began.

He turned his head back toward her. She was wasn’t used to his bright eyes being hidden.

“How long have you and Jake been friends?”

Hale kept silent.

Pandora figured he was going to ignore her. But Hale wasn’t that cruel.

“It’s a really long story. But let’s go with many years,” Hale said.

Jake spoke up before Pandora. “Hale and I go way back. Boy, the stuff I could tell you about him.”

Hale rammed his armored elbow into Jake’s gut.

Jake clutched his stomach. “Okay, okay. Just chill out, Hale.”

“It’s not easy when you’re here,” Hale responded.

“I’m just trying to start a friendly conversation,” Jake said.

“Let’s not."

Pandora was surprised that Hale and Jake were friends at all. Jake provided an endless amount of annoyance for Hale. She regretted asking Hale about Jake, only because she didn’t want to cause a further rift between him and Jake.

She decidedly ignored Hale’s hostility towards Jake and found herself in awe of Dunwar. It wasn’t a beautiful place. But it was completely different from her home-world. She noticed that the sky, when it wasn’t blocked by heavy fog, was a milky grey. The surface was pliable and springy beneath her feet from the dirt. Soft grass and trees grew. Neither of which were found on Elani, whose surface was only made of rock, shiny purple rock.

Up ahead, the fog was lighter and cleared a view of the Valley. Pandora picked up her pace, wanting to get a closer look. As she passed Hale, he grabbed her arm.

“Wait,” Hale said sternly, “stay behind me.”

Pandora didn’t argue with him because she didn’t know how dangerous the situation would be. The fact that Hale had two pistols on each side of his belt, a rifle on his back, and a questionable number of knives on his body made her wonder if she would survive this trade with Malcolm.

When they entered the Valley, Pandora noticed how the fog was nearly gone in this one area of Dunwar. The sky was a cloudy, grey as usual, but the small sun peaked through more there and brightened the grass blanketing the hills of the Valley.

Near the center, a small group of people gathered. A few large transport vehicles were lined up behind the group. As they moved closer to the group, Pandora began to regret coming with Hale more. She tightened her fists to keep her hands from shaking. Most of them were all dressed similar to Hale and kept numerous weapons on themselves. One out of the group was especially distinct looking. He stood a foot taller than his already tall crew and was big boned with a sculptured physique.

Pandora wasn’t sure what species he was. She had never seen anyone like him. Aside from his height, his most striking feature was his beast-like face. He had sharp fangs and two long horns on his head in front of his cat-shaped ears. From the parts of him that weren’t covered by armor, he appeared to be extremely hairy. In spite of all his frightening features, his dark eyes were gentle.

Pandora stood still as her stared at her, Hale, and Jake.

Hale took off his helmet and shook the intimidating man’s hand. “Malcolm.”

“Glad you decided to show up, Verdun.” Malcolm replied with a low voice. “Who’s the girl?”

Hale placed his helmet back over his head. “She’s my assistant. No extra charge, of course.”

Malcolm shook Jake’s hand. “Thanks for contacting Verdun for me.”

Jake nodded. “Figured he needed the work.”

“Doubtful,” Malcolm mused. “Hale Verdun’s reputation precedes him.”

Hale must have been kinda famous in the underworld circles if one of the largest weapons dealer in the galaxy was impressed by him.

“He’s not an easy man to hire,” Malcolm added. “He didn’t answer my calls.”

“This trade has to be important, if you went through the trouble of hiring me then. My time doesn’t come cheap,” Hale said confidently.

Malcolm chuckled. “I’m well aware. Wouldn’t want to be a guy who wastes your time. This trade will be a defining moment for my business.”

“Oh really, who’s the buyer then?” Hale asked.

Malcolm smiled. “I don’t know much about our galaxy’s legal political world, but she seems to be an important part of it. Her name’s Suzu Kyre. A queen of her planet, I think. She wants to purchase some weapons off the books to protect her world.”

Pandora restrained a gasp. She had heard of her before. Queen Suzu was an active member of the galactic society. For many she was beacon of hope around the galaxy. She ran a galactic aid programs for the destitute.

Hale scoffed. “Oh, her.”

“Have you dealt with her before?” Malcolm questioned.

“Nah, I just have heard of her. This sounds pretty risky to me.”

Malcolm patted Hale on the shoulder. “That’s why you’re here.”

“Still. I’m not sure it’s worth it. You should know this is most likely a setup.”

Malcolm crossed his arms. “Are you questioning me?”

“Yeah. But it’s your decision. I’m good with whatever for the right price.” Hale responded.

“Good. And don’t worry. I always come prepared,” said Malcolm as he stepped aboard a transport vehicle.

Hale and Jake followed him onto the vehicle. There was little room inside because of all the cargo. Pandora was pushed all the way in the back with the majority of the crates. If the vehicle wasn’t already cramped enough, the crates were stacked high enough to cover the windows, making it feel even smaller.

Pandora wished to see out the windows, but they were blocked by the stacked crates. She wanted to know where they were going.

After surviving an hour ride in the transport vehicle, Pandora stepped outside, once reaching Malcolm’s final destination. She noticed the fog was nonexistent in this area and could see farther than what was normal for Dunwar. Tall, rocky cliffs surrounded them almost entirely. This was the perfect location for criminal business because it was completely isolated from the rest of the planet.

While distracted by the sights, Pandora felt an abnormally warm hand grab hers and pull her backwards. It was Hale’s hand. When she looked up at him, she saw her own face in the reflection of his helmet instead of his perfect eyes so blue she might just drown in them. He immediately dropped his hold on her hand, but continued to hold his head in her direction, as if he were staring at her.

“What is it?” Pandora whispered.

“This is a riskier job than I thought,” he replied.

“And?”

“I’m just warning you,” he responded.

Pandora watched him walk away from her to stand beside Malcolm. She shrugged and looked up at the grey sky. She noticed a black dot hovering beside the sun. The dot grew larger and eventually took the form of a ship. It continued to come closer as Pandora observed it.

Malcolm ordered his men to clear the area. The ship was landing in this small area evidently.

Pandora recognized this ship’s design, which was a standard for government aircraft and transports. Once it landed, several guards exited the ship with one large crate. The armor the guards wore held the galactic government’s emblem on the shoulders.

Pandora froze. How could it be that Queen Suzu was one of the bad guys?

Malcolm, surrounded by his crew with Hale and Jake standing by, proceeded forward to meet the guards. One of the guards held a circular device in his hand, and he pressed a large button on top. A small holographic projection of the queen appeared.

“Senator,” Malcolm greeted.

“Did you bring the merchandise as requested?” Queen Suzu asked.

“Of course,” Malcolm said.

“Good,” she replied. “My men will pay you what is due.”

The holograph of the senator disappeared. Malcolm ordered one of his crew members to look over the crate that her men were protecting.

“Open it up,” Malcolm ordered from a distance.

What happened after was something Pandora never expected...