The Starlight Lancer

Chapter Ninety-Seven: Fortuitous Moon

"Yeah, I remember. I was scared to shit—but I made it through. So will you."

—Famed High Lancer Degra Moro, recalling her first solo mission

"Huh—what?" Zaina said, too shocked to fully process her mentor's words.

Xyrthe put her helmet back on. "The more I think on it, the more I see we need someone here. This Dirzo sounds pretty trigger-happy—like he could attack at any moment. I'm guessing he's not very forthcoming about his plans with you, Rymar."

The Strato shook his head. "I'm afraid not."

"So if we both go out there, we might get swamped out of nowhere if we aren't sure what's happening on the other side," Xyrthe said. "And beside that—I don't think showing up to a heretic enclave as a pair is a good idea. Most heretics coming to enclaves arrive by themselves."

"You have a lot of experience with enclaves?" Zaina asked.

"As a matter of fact, I do. So trust me when I say us both showing up would probably arouse suspicion. It usually means one of two things—infiltration, or the destruction of another enclave."

Zaina desperately wanted to hear about Xyrthe's experiences in enclaves, but it wasn't the right time—and even if it was, her mentor wasn't exactly open about her past. Aside from that, there was the more pressing matter of her mentor more or less volunteering her for a suicide mission. Still, she didn't want to seem afraid—if Xyrthe thought she was ready, maybe she really was. "Yeah, but—what will you do?"

"I'm going to earn Dirzo's trust. Get in on his inner circle. Then I can keep you updated on his plans, give you a timeframe to work with."

"I believe that would be a most wise measure," Rymar said. "You may be able to hinder them from within as well. Perhaps a stoic, earnest presence will keep some of the bravado in check."

"That's the hope. Say, Rymar—"

"Yes?"

"Is there a closer hangar where I can move my ship in case shit goes south out there? I want to be able to run a rescue op without having to take that stupid fucking tubecar."

"Yes," he said. "Yes, of course. You can use my private hangar on the level above—I'll have my shuttle moved immediately."

"See?" Xyrthe said. "If something goes wrong I'll be there in like, an hour at most. All you have to do is survive that long. That said, I really don't see anything going too terribly wrong."

Some of Zaina's inner anxiety bubbled over. "Yeah, what could go wrong? I won't have my armor, my spell-glove, I won't be able to use my cipher—"

"Exactly," Xyrthe said. "You'll have the greatest weapon of all: that helpless, innocent charm of yours. Sivanya doesn't stand a chance."

Zaina rolled her eyes. It wasn't exactly a vote of confidence, but it was the best she was going to get from Xyrthe.

"Now," Xyrthe continued, "we need to think about how you're going to approach."

Zaina started to ask, "What—"

"Of course," Rymar interrupted. "You wouldn't be able to take the most direct path from Deonago—for one, you'd never make it through the patrols unspotted, and secondly, it may arouse Sivanya's suspicions. You'll need a ship."

Xyrthe jumped in, "Not mine."

Rymar nodded. "I prepared for this; after I contacted your Order I quickly arranged to purchase an unmarked, unregistered vehicle for the purposes of your infiltration."