Galactic Gale

Chapter Six

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Uterca was not the brightest city in space, but was close to it. Its golden buildings, glittering skyscrapers and grand palace could be seen from miles away, and Kael's heart hammered at the thought of walking the city's wide streets once more.

Thanks to Nona's motion, the Assembly of Nor had chosen not to allow Uterca to expand. A large mass of the growing population had been moved to Sorium, far in the First Region. There they could have a chance to build a new community from the ashes of the silent city, rather than make Uterca into a super-sized beast. He was glad to see the familiar foundations of Uterca still in use.

The Rapid started to lower. Amara pulled on one of the larger leavers in front of her, manoeuvring the ship between two tall buildings. Her face was set in a blank expression. What she was thinking, Kael longed to know.

"Requesting landing authorisation code," a voice said, crackling through the radio overhead.

Amara, who ignored the voice, continued preparing to land. The spot she had chosen was not on the rear landing bay at the palace, but a back-alley platform with room for only one ship. Perfect for those wanting to go undetected.

Regardless of where Amara chose to land the Rapid, they needed an authorisation code. Without one the city guards would either blow them out of the sky or have them arrested and the Rapid placed in one of their impounds.

Kael couldn't help but wonder what Cyre would say if such things were to happen to them.

"This is Prince Kael Galtionie," he said into the voice box. "Authorization code is two-zero-zero-zero-six."

His answer came in the form of static as Amara flipped off the radio. The same hand which had tuned them out hit several other buttons, causing the Rapid to jitter as it set down on the rickety platform.

"I don't want them knowing where my ship is," she said coldly, slipping her jacket over her as she hurried from the cabin. Credits jingled in her gloved fingers and the blaster on her belt stopped Kael from pressing his concerns further.

He picked up his own weapon from the lounge on the way out. It had taken him some time to get used to the feel of a blaster in his hands. They were heavy weapons, but thanks to a few modifications, he found a means to make his personal gun well-balanced.

It was much warmer in Uterca than it had been in Ramerela. Closer to the Noric Region's blazing centre, Uterca was blessed with sunlight for most of the day and the heat which came with it. Kael stripped off his jacket and knotted it firmly around his waist.

A station officer was waiting for them. Amara paid him with her credits, warned him not to touch her ship, then pulled Kael down the steps and into the narrow alleys of the lower-class district. Here the buildings were shorter, but no less elegant.

They passed beggars, thieves, and honest merchants on their path to the palace. The city's lower side had certainly improved since Kael had been there last. Gone were the makeshift houses squeezed between the metal frames of approved dwellings and the roads that had been covered with filth were polished and litter free.

Kael couldn't help but feel proud on his sister's behalf. Since her run in with the Sorii, she had certainly got to work on her own city, stepping forward to use her role as princess for the good, rather than her previous ambition to use her power only for store discounts.

"I hate it here," Amara said unexpectantly.

"What's the matter?" Kael turned to inspect her pale face. He frowned upon noticing her red rimmed eyes. "You don't look well. Perhaps you should wait in the Rapid. I can see myself to the palace."