Voidwalker Requiem

Chapter 10: The Expensive Price of Blood

The crew huddled around a makeshift table in Ditto's cluttered hideout, the dim lighting casting long shadows over their faces. The walls were plastered with maps, stolen data pads, and old star charts, evidence of Ditto's underground dealings. The air was thick with tension and the smell of spilled fuel, a constant reminder of their precarious existence. Eve stood at the head of the table, her eyes sharp as she glanced at each member of the crew, ensuring she had their full attention. Hana leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his gaze flicking between Eve and the rest of the group, a mix of apprehension and curiosity in his eyes. Asulan, silent as always, sat in a corner sharpening his blade, the rhythmic sound of metal scraping against stone punctuating the tense atmosphere. Ditto, perched on a stack of crates, tapped her foot impatiently, eager to get things moving. Lielle's holographic form flickered nearby, her face smiling and eyes keenly observing the conversation.

"Alright, listen up," Eve began, her voice steady and commanding. "Our next target is Ryger. His shipment is coming in tonight, and he's got it stashed in a hidden compartment on Level Four of his carrier. Our intel says he'll be there to oversee the transfer personally. This is our chance to nab him before he disappears into the galaxy."

Asulan nodded, his deep voice breaking the silence. "What's the plan? We go in guns blazing, or is there a more subtle approach?"

Eve shook her head. "No, we need to be careful. Ryger's dangerous, and he's got rogue Voidwalkers on his payroll. We go in fast, grab him, and get out before anyone realises what's happening. Ditto, Remane, you guys are our eyes and ears. Hana, you Antaris and Asulan will be the muscle. I'll handle Ryger myself."

Hana frowned, shifting uncomfortably. "And what if things go south? What's our exit strategy?"

Eve's eyes narrowed slightly. "If things go south, we improvise. Stick to your strengths, and we'll be fine. Remember, we're here for Ryger, not a shootout. Now, any questions?"

The crew exchanged glances but remained silent, each of them steeling themselves for the mission ahead. The tension in the room was palpable, a mix of fear, determination, and the unspoken bond that held them together.

The crew finds themselves docked at a remote station on the edge of the Celestium Formation. The station is a grimy, lawless place—far from the control of the Galactic Empire. Ryger, whose shipment of rare Ten-enhancing drugs threatens to destabilise the delicate balance of power within the underworld. The bounty on Ryger's head is significant, but Eve, Hana, and the rest of the crew know that this mission will be anything but straightforward.

The crew gathered in the common area of the ship, finalising their plan. Eve stands at the centre, exuding an eerie calm. Her recent manipulation of the crew's minds has left a faint haze of obedience lingering in the air, though they are unaware of the full extent of her control.

"Remember," Eve says, her voice smooth and commanding, "we go in, grab Ryger, and get out. This isn't about starting a fight."

Asulan grunts in agreement, his massive form leaning against the wall. "Sounds easy enough," he mutters, his deep voice resonating in the small space.

Hana, sitting on the edge of the table, taps his fingers nervously. His mind is elsewhere, replaying the events of the last mission over and over. Though the venom is no longer in his system, its psychological effects linger, not to mention the toxic relationship he's bound in with Eve. He watches her closely, studying her every move, wondering if there's any part of her he can trust.

They make their way to the docking bay, their plan simple but with little room for error. As Ryger's carrier approaches, the tension in the air is palpable. The station's campus is dimly lit, the flickering lights casting ominous shadows on the buildings.