Chapter 25: Vesper Station

The Vanguard emerged from the shadows of the asteroid field and set a course for Vesper Station, a hub of lawlessness and commerce floating in the outer reaches of the sector. The station was a sprawling, cylindrical behemoth covered in mismatched panels of metal, neon advertisements flashing in dozens of languages, and ships coming and going at a frenetic pace. It was a place where fortunes could be made—or lives lost—with a single roll of the dice.

Scar stood on the bridge, his gaze unwavering as the station drew closer. The atmosphere in the ship was heavy with tension. Every member of the crew knew the risks of coming to Vesper Station, but they also knew they needed answers. Zera’s promise of information about Delta Command was too valuable to ignore.

Nova piloted the Vanguard with practiced ease, but even she couldn’t hide her wariness. “We’re cleared for Docking Bay 17,” she reported, her voice steady. “But the port authority here is… loose, to say the least. They’re charging a hefty docking fee, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we get a ‘welcome party.’”

Scar crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. “We’ll be ready. Cyko, make sure everyone’s armed but discreet. We don’t want to draw attention unless we have to.”

Cyko, who was already double-checking his concealed weapons, gave Scar a thumbs-up. “Discreet but deadly. Got it.”

Jefro groaned from where he sat in the common area, working on another engine diagnostic. “Please try not to get us shot at again. The engines can’t handle another emergency departure.”

Scar’s mouth twitched into a humorless smile. “No promises.”

The Vanguard docked with a hiss and a shudder, the airlock sealing with a metallic clang. The crew assembled at the ramp, each one preparing for whatever chaos awaited them. Scar took point, his blaster holstered but ready, with Nova and Cyko flanking him. Jefro stayed behind to keep the ship secure, while Arlen and Pip waited in the relative safety of the common area.

“Stay alert,” Scar said as the ramp lowered. “And remember, we’re here for intel, not a firefight.”

They stepped onto the docking bay platform, the noise and energy of Vesper Station hitting them like a wave. Merchants shouted their wares, mechanics haggled over repairs, and travelers from dozens of species milled about, each one looking more dangerous than the last. Neon signs flashed offers for everything from exotic weaponry to forbidden tech, and the air smelled of ozone, engine exhaust, and desperation.

Scar scanned the crowd, his eyes settling on a familiar figure standing near the edge of the platform. Zera waited for them, her silver hair catching the light, and her coat billowing slightly in the artificial breeze. She looked completely at ease, a smirk playing at her lips as they approached.

“You made it,” Zera said, her voice smooth and confident. “Welcome to Vesper Station, where secrets and credits change hands faster than bullets.”

Scar didn’t waste time on pleasantries. “You promised us information,” he said, his voice firm. “We’re here. Start talking.”

Zera’s smirk widened. “Patience, Captain. I need to know you’re serious before I risk my neck sharing what I know. Follow me.”

She led them through the maze-like corridors of the station, each turn taking them deeper into its heart. The walls were covered in graffiti and holographic advertisements, and the crowd grew thicker with every step. Scar’s hand stayed near his blaster, his eyes never stopping their sweep of the area. Cyko walked beside him, humming softly, though the tension in his shoulders was evident.

They arrived at a small, dimly lit cantina, where the air smelled of stale alcohol and something that might have been burnt meat. Zera led them to a booth in the corner, where a circular table offered a semblance of privacy. Scar and Nova sat down across from her, while Cyko took a position nearby, watching the crowd like a hawk.

Zera leaned forward, her expression serious now. “Delta Command is more than just a military organization,” she began. “They’ve been experimenting, pushing boundaries they shouldn’t be. You’ve heard of their ‘Project Ascendant,’ haven’t you?”

Scar’s gut twisted. “We’ve heard whispers,” he admitted. “Rumors of bioweapons and genetic experiments.”

Zera’s eyes darkened. “It’s worse than that. Project Ascendant is a full-scale effort to create a new breed of soldiers—enhanced, nearly unstoppable. They’re using stolen technology, artifacts from planets like Drion-5, and even… volunteers. Or rather, conscripts.”

Nova’s face went pale. “How is this connected to the hunt for us?” she asked.

Zera took a sip from the drink she had ordered, her hands steady. “You were on Drion-5. Delta Command thinks you might have information they need. Maybe something you picked up, a piece of tech, or someone you’re protecting. Whatever it is, they believe it could undermine their project—or reveal its secrets.”

Scar’s mind raced, the pieces slowly coming together. Arlen. It had to be connected to him, to his father’s research. But Zera couldn’t know about the boy, and he intended to keep it that way.

“Why tell us this?” Scar demanded. “What’s in it for you?”

Zera’s eyes flashed with something like pain, though it was gone in an instant. “Let’s just say I have my reasons for wanting Delta Command taken down. But you’re not the only ones they’re after. If you want my help, we’ll need to strike a deal.”

Cyko, who had been quiet until now, leaned in with a smirk. “And what kind of deal are we talking about?”

Zera’s expression hardened. “I give you everything I know—locations, operatives, their next moves. But in return, you help me infiltrate one of their research facilities. There’s something I need to find, something personal. Do that, and I’ll make sure you get what you need to survive.”

Scar considered her offer, the weight of it pressing down on him. The idea of breaking into a Delta Command facility was madness, but the intel Zera was offering could change everything. His crew’s lives depended on making the right call.

Nova’s eyes met his, and he saw the worry there. But he also saw trust—trust in him to make the right decision.

“Deal,” Scar said finally, his voice steady. “But if this is a trap, we won’t hesitate to make you regret it.”

Zera’s lips curved into a genuine smile, one that carried both relief and determination. “Trust me, Captain. I have as much to lose as you do.”

As they left the cantina, Zera’s warning still ringing in their ears, the crew of the Vanguard knew they were diving headfirst into even greater danger. Vesper Station’s chaotic energy swirled around them, a reminder that alliances were fragile and enemies were everywhere.

Scar glanced at Cyko, who was keeping a watchful eye on the crowd. “Think we’ll survive this?” Scar asked, his voice low.

Cyko’s grin was wolfish. “We always do,” he said. “Besides, danger’s what keeps life interesting.”