Interstellar

✯ 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 𝕏𝕏𝕏𝕍𝕀 ✯

Year 3828 — COSMIC Headquarters — Section Epta

She was right about the ride back being dreadful.

El completely ignored her making Astraea not even sit in her actual seat. Instead, she stayed in the kitchen the entire ride back.

Renan also didn't say a word.

The only people who were decently nice were Karlin and Kalin. Along with Synthia, but she veered to away from her as everyone was avoiding her.

They didn't really believe her.

And if they did believe her, they hated her for it.

Zeph was generous enough to have Azzara and the Lieutenant's bodies wrapped and given to them. They were going to have a proper funeral once they were back.

Gauge was the one that took charge in place of the Lieutenant, announcing orders over the quiet crowd.

And after what felt like forever they arrived at Headquarters. As they exited the ship, security ran in their direction.

"What squad are you and where are you coming from?" The female security guard asked.

"We're Subdivision 2, Beta Squad under Colonel Cosmara." Gauge told the lady.

With a flick of her hand the lady signaled at the men behind her. "Search the ship."

"What's going on?" Gauge asked as the rest of the listened in, watching as the security guards ran across the decks.

"Colonel Cosmara has deserted COSMIC. He was seen stealing private data before he disappeared. Security has been tightened in order to find him." The lady explained.

Astraea was once again hit with more news.

"He deserted?" She asked curiously.

"Yes, he broke COSMIC law and is now labeled as a criminal. Anyone associated with his actions will also receive COSMIC punishment," the lady warned.

"All clear!" A man came out from the hatch.

"Looks like everything is good with your ship. We'll move on to the next." The lady moved away from the group.

Astraea didn't wait for the rest of the squad as she ran into the base.

She needed to see Lyris.

To make sense of what is happening.

The halls felt colder than before. The Strikers gossiping to themselves about the recent news.

Astraea waited impatiently as her fingerprint was scanned. The door didn't even open fully before she rushed in.

It was empty.

Lyris wasn't at her desk.

Turning to search somewhere else, Lyris appeared in the doorway.

"You're back!" The woman stalked over, wrapping Astraea in an embrace. "You weren't responding to your watch so I got worried."

"I'm sorry, the mission got out of hand again." Astraea cherished the hug. "Do you mind explaining what's happening?"

Lyris was silent for a few more seconds before she pulled back. "Let's sit first."

Astraea did as she said, sitting in the seat in front of her desk.

"Did the Colonel really desert?" She asked as soon as her butt hit the seat.

Lyris lowered herself down before answering, "Yes. It came as a shock for everyone. I've been busy trying to deal with the higher ups about it."