Voidwalker Requiem

Chapter Eight: The Great Escape

As they approached the spaceport, the crew moved with cautious precision, every step calculated to avoid detection. She signalled back to the group, indicating the best routes to take to avoid patrols and security cameras.

The spaceport was a modest facility, with a few ships docked and a minimal security presence. The ISS-class ship Ditto had identified was situated towards the end of the docking bay, its sleek design and fully fueled state making it a perfect candidate for their escape. Hana and Asulan exchanged a determined glance, ready to execute their plan.

"We need to create a diversion to draw the guards away from the ship," Hana whispered. "Ditto, can you handle that?"

Ditto nodded, her form shifting into that of a spaceport worker. She walked confidently towards a stack of crates near the entrance, knocking them over with a loud crash. The guards immediately rushed to the scene, their attention diverted by the commotion. Meanwhile, Hana and Asulan made their way to the ship, keeping low and moving swiftly.

Once they reached the ISS-class ship, Hana quickly accessed the control panel, bypassing the security codes with practised ease. The ship's hatch opened with a soft hiss, and Asulan helped Eve inside, gently laying her down on a cot in the cargo hold. Ditto flew into the ship shortly after, her form shifting back to normal as she entered.

"Ready?" Hana asked, taking his place in the pilot's seat.

"Let's get the hell out of here," Asulan replied, strapping himself into the co-pilot's chair.

Hana powered up the engines, the ship humming to life. The sound drew the attention of the guards, who realised too late what was happening. As they rushed towards the ship, Hana engaged the thrusters, lifting off from the docking bay and accelerating into the sky. The ship soared through the atmosphere, leaving Strara 8TM behind as they set a course for the Celestium Formation.

Hana sets the ship on autopilot and heads to the main cabin where Eve is slowly recovering.

"How you feeling?" He asks softly.

"Fine" She replies. "how far until the Capital?"

"We have about half an hour left. You need anything?" Eve takes a deep breath and sits up, grunting in pain. "Woah, woah slow down, don't over exert yourself-" "I said I'm fine, Hana. I don't need your help." She interjects snarkily. "Oh...right, sorry." He gets up slowly and heads back to the cockpit.

"Everything okay back there?" Asks Asulan.

"Yeah, we're all good." Hana replies calmly. Asulan stares at him for a minute. Hana avoids making eye contact as he closes the cockpit entrance. "You know, Eve's a very strong person. I may look like a meathead for the most part, but I can tell that she's going through a lot right now." Hana flops into the pilot seat. "All I wanted to do was help her." He replies.

Asulan smiles softly. "It's not your fault she feels that way, man. I was the same way. Always having something to prove, never showing weakness. She clearly doesn't like being vulnerable around people, especially you."

"Really? She sure didn't make it seem that way. To me it was like a big fuck you." Hana says in a stressed tone. "Give her some time. She'll come around. She might not admit that she appreciates you caring about her, but trust me, she does." Asulan reassures him.

"Thanks big guy." Hana says. "My pleasure. Let's land this bird, spaceport's ahead."

Hana drops the landing gear a carefully lands the ship at the Capital's main spaceport. The vibrant city gives the crew a sense of safety a calm they've been yearning for a while now. "Where we headed to now?" Hana asks. "I know a spot. It's out in the suburbs" Ditto replies "used to be my hideout a while back; it shouldn't be occupied."