TIME:
1.7 WEEKS LATER
51 WEEKS UNTIL ARIA AWAKENS
LOCATION:
ZETA FRIT II
AMBER STATION
COMMERCIAL FLOOR 1
I step off of the elevator and take a moment to assess the situation. Garnet station was a mess with lazy guards who didn't take their job as seriously as they should have. This station however was different, immediately I noticed that security here was much stricter and more than paranoid.
I slowly walked towards the checkpoint trying to appear calm but not too calm to be suspicious. Today's goal isn't trading with savages, but rather getting tested at the Freelance Guild. So far my ranking is 0.12, but that's artificially high thanks to Temlic being my only client, but it could be higher.
I finished my approach to the door which opened with barely a sound. I entered wearing almost the exact same clothes I wore on my entrance to Garnet station, I was only missing my weapons, mag carrier, and cloak. I was also wearing an eva suit that blocked any chemicals my body naturally expelled. I wanted to cause as few problems as possible in this almost paranoid station.
This station was one Temlic warned me about when I was departing. He warned me to not appear suspicious, or I'd have a team of security agents following me everywhere. I was of the opinion that he was exaggerating but Mom verified it when we first arrived.
The door suddenly closed and an electric buzz made me aware of the magnet that now locked the door. A speaker suddenly started speaking at the same moment as well.
"Name, Age, Place of birth, occupation, reason for entry."
I took a moment to recall where I told that one rat where I was from and replied calmly. "Lilith Runethari, 25 Standard Years old, I was born in Tau Astralis, I work as a Freelancer and Governor of the newly discovered system Beta Charon, and I intend to visit the Freelance Guild to take the combat aptitude test."
The machine was silent for a blessed few seconds, then it replied in an androgynous distorted voice, "...Proof of Governorship please."
"It's on my tablet which is in my backpack, is it okay if I grab it?"
I force myself to not grind my teeth at the annoyance of having to ask to check my own bag. Mother told me how security was usually handled here, and I'd rather not make them needlessly pissy because I stepped on one of their toes.
"Yes we have already scanned your person, and found no weapons."
I nodded my head and after a few moments grabbed my tablet—the same one I threw across the cargohold all those months ago. I see a variety of USB ports uncovered and am surprised to see one that actually works with my device. Reluctantly I lower the firewall and allow it to scan the documents folder.
"Can you unencrypt the file named, "Beta Charon Contract please."
I nod and enter a password I have for more public documents that might be needed for proof of identity. It still took a minute of fast typing to enter the 100 digit password my mother forced me to create.
After a moment the light USB had disconnected and I heard the door open. "Thank you for your cooperation, and have a safe visit Governor Runethari."
I nod and step through the door without any further delays. Thankfully I decided to wear my eva suit—even if it was only under more normal clothes—that hid any signs of my fathomless annoyance at this whole procedure.
I take a deep breath, taking the moment to calm down from that experience. After feeling my simmering annoyance dissipate I take the moment to observe my surroundings.
I was left momentarily speechless, I wasn't even impressed, just stunned at the design choice. It was the exact same as the center of Garnet station but somehow even more gaudy. However, I will admit, this was ever so slightly different. There wasn't eye searing marble but rather an overly pretentious Runethari aesthetic. Even the highest, most snobbish nobles of the Runethari Empire would cringe at this.
I take a moment to process the basalt buildings, trying to ignore the weird red light flowing between artificial cracks in the wall. It was cringeworthy, I mean we liked the color red, but only as a secondary subtle color. If we wanted lighting in our walls we would go with something more symbolic, like the amber of Runvald.
"First time here missus? I will admit that I was also stunned speechless when I first visited this majestic floor. Some people really do have an eye for the aesthetics of the Crimson progenitors," a random well dressed old man spoke from behind me.
"Ye-yeah they definitely tried to match these 'Crimson Progenitors.' Regardless, do I have business with you or did you come to chat with a random newcomer?"
"No you do not, I am just running a small errand for the system governor. Well that is all, I hope you have a safe and wonderful visit," the old man said as he quickly trotted away seemingly unwilling to even give up his own name.
'Where the hell did he come from...'
'I suspect that he was standing behind you in line. I recall hearing another elevator arriving a moment after yours.'
'Thanks for that Mara, anyways we need to hurry to the Freelance Guild.'
I quickly check the map on my tablet and start my small journey towards the guild. As I walk I try to ignore the growing frown on my face from the constant stimulation the stores obligated to give out. I will always be thankful that Mara is keeping my senses in check or I'd be deaf by now.
The route I was taking may not have had many actual residents or customers, but there were so many flashing red lights it gave me a headache. I still, however, decided to check what the stores were selling. My frown only grew deeper as I kept finding civilian consumer stores, only selling worthless items like perfume and expensive clothes. Those clothes, while high quality, would probably only be durable until you needed it the most.
I finally arrived at the entrance to the Freelance Guild. Stopping to check out the building, I nodded my head in approval at the original design—a brave statement among a sea of ostentatious eyesores.
I walked through the authentic wooden doors, my eyebrows raised somewhat in surprise. Wood while easy to farm was prone to catching fire and in a closed space like a space station that would be nothing short of disastrous. Now that I looked around the entire building was made of the stuff, not just some expensive look alike.
I finally snap back to reality, realizing that this place seemed oddly quiet, except for a hushed murmuring. Looking around, I found out the reason rather quickly: only a few groups were present, sitting at separate tables focusing on planning with their teams.
Further beyond the tables a neat row of kiosks that a few random people were standing in front of. I looked around to try and find anyone like a receptionist but found no one. With one last look around I saunter over to the terminals.
I reach an empty kiosk and I am greeted with two simple options to register or login. I select the obvious option and once I input my details I receive a pop up.
WELCOME, LILITH RUNETHARI!
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU WITH TODAY?
COMBAT ABILITY SCORE TESTING
CONTRACT LISTINGS
TURNING IN A CONTRACT (NO CONTRACT HAS BEEN REGISTERED IN THIS SYSTEM)
OTHER
I select the ability score testing and I am soon greeted with another message.
YOU HAVE SELECTED 'COMBAT ABILITY SCORE TESTING.' IF THIS IS NOT AN ERROR GO TO ROOM #1, WE WILL PROVIDE A ROBOT TO LEAD YOU THERE.IF THIS IS AN ERROR PLEASE SELECT THE...
I stopped reading the text as a small cat sized four legged robot walked out of the machine. Waiting for a moment it soon starts racing off to the side. I quickly turn to follow it, making sure to not lose sight of the zippy robot. It leads me to a door which opens automatically when it approaches. Stopping momentarily it turns around like it was making sure I was following.
A few seconds later we both arrive at a door that is labeled, Shooting range. The door opened and the cat sized robot stood to the side. I immediately spotted an open door that had 'test' written in bold on its surface.
Walking through the door I see a standard testing range, if only a little large for its purpose. Nobody was inside and I could see no firearms on the table. After a few minutes I heard footsteps approaching the door. I turned to look at who was approaching and saw a man casually walking in with a small case only big enough to only fit a pistol.
He walked to a table and placed the case on the table all without sparing me a glance. He then turned around and made a declaration, "I don't know who you are but I already have an issue, why are you dressed like that if you're going to a firing range. Now ignoring your eccentric choice of clothing and delicate look I want you to repeat to me the five safety rules of using a firearm."
"There is only four as far as I know and they go, treat every firearm as if it's loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot, and finally be aware of what your shooting and what is behind it," I answer instinctively.
"Good catch and your are correct, so far so good now I want you to fire 10 shots into that moving target, try to be as accurate as you can be that will be what I grade you off of."
I walk towards the case which has already been unlocked and pick up the pistol and magazine. I checked to see what I was firing and nodded at the choice. The test following went smoothly, my training shining through allowing me to cluster most of my shots.
"Okay that's enough, put up the pistol and stand clear of the divider for a minute." I nodded my head and did as I was told without much fuss. Despite him being a human, he was my test observer, anything I do wrong can mess up my score—even a snide comment.
I watch as the firing range quickly changes the thin metal dividers falling flat against the ground. On the other side a mat rolled out from the wall automatically.
"Okay next is CQC, did you bring a knife?"
I shook my head and as I was about to explain my reason he raised his hand, "Don't bother I'll only deduct your points for readiness if you're a resident which you aren't. This station has been... tense as of late. I understand the reluctance to carry even a normal knife let alone a combat one but it's alright, the guards may give you the stink eye but everyone is carrying one nowadays. Here, take this training one."
He pulls out a drawer revealing a pair of black hard plastic combat knives. I pick one up and walk to the opposite side of the mat.
"Okay when I say start rush me and try to get through my guard. Hits to the center chest and neck means you will pass the test with flying colors, though I wish you good luck I'm quite used to these struggles." I nod my head and get into a standard stance. "Ready... Start!"
I spring forward, left hand still at my side as I quickly rush him. I see him get ready to parry my knife wherever it would come from. I take a wide swing adjusting for the time it would still take to reach him.
He effortlessly parries and just as my knife reaches the end of his blade I make an attempt to grab his wrist. He quickly draws his wrist back as I suddenly force my arm to change direction and make a feint towards the left arm pit, he takes a step back with lower his center of mass while doing so.
'Mara stop gatekeeping, I want to make this next one flashy.'
'Understood Lilith.'
Suddenly time slowed down a noticeable touch, almost nothing changed in my body. I have taken no drugs, and I'm not abusing my mind interface device, all I am doing is setting my perception to how it should be, with how fast my brain can process information including stimuli.
My body slows down alongside the time but I have grown used to it but it can be quite disorientating even now. I feel my left leg slowly move forward. I watch with glee as my opponent slowly looks down and his eyes slowly start to widen. He starts lifting his foot to step back, to me it was like he was stuck in tar.
I quickly pivot slamming my left foot on the mat and make my move. I lunge forward with the aid of my left foot slamming my right shoulder into him, sending him flying backwards. I continue my pursuit even as he is still in the air and as he falls head barely on the mat I put my knife to his neck.
'Mara you can start gatekeeping again.'
'Understand Lilith nicely done.'
It takes him a moment to regain his sense after what must have been a very surprising turn of events. Still in a slight daze he stares at the knife stunned.
"Okay... yeah you got me, you may look delicate, but you hit like a cargo hauler. Don't do that again, I think I would have gotten a rather large concussion if I didn't land on this mat... still might have anyways." He shakes his head and slowly gets up from the ground. "Okay next up you're going to be training in unarmed combat, starship combat—if you own one—and then leadership. That will be with someone else, I don't think I can give my all to unarmed combat, and the last two weren't my job regardless. Good job Lilith so far you scored, 0.7 and a 1.0."
"Understood, should I stay here for your replacement?" All I get is a chuckling nod and faintly under his breath I hear him mutter something bizarre to himself. "... a loose ascension experiment cough ...someone to check." I chose to ignore his inane muttering, I knew they'd find nothing of an 'ascension experiment' and walked over to the table and put up my knife.