Quasar

Chapter 1: The last game

Planet Earth

"What are you thinking about?" Orion asked his friend Renn, who sat on a bench, staring at the horizon.

"You're late," Renn said, glancing at his friend with a frown.

"Sorry! I had to finish a few things first," Orion replied, a smile lighting up his face as he took a seat next to his friend. They both sat near an old basketball court, with the faint sound of a church bell echoing in the distance. The setting sun cast a warm glow, illuminating Renn's black hair and Orion's brown locks in the fading light.

Orion was known for his carefree smile, one that made it seem like nothing could trouble him, though it often hid deeper emotions. Renn, in contrast, was an open book; his feelings always on display. In appearance, they were almost the same height, with Orion being just a centimeter shorter, and his skin slightly paler than Renn's. Renn had brown eyes, while Orion's were a striking shade of gray.

Orion and Renn made for an unusual pair, yet their bond was undeniable. They had known each other since childhood and shared everything—from their deepest secrets to their favorite foods. Despite their different temperaments, they both were intelligent and highly strategic. This made them the best pilots of their generation. They complemented each other perfectly. They could pilot a CR5000 jet with their eyes closed, fully trusting one another. Together, they were unstoppable.

The CR5000 was more than just a jet; it was a masterpiece of advanced technology. From propulsion systems to state-of-the-art navigation software, every part had been designed for maximum efficiency and performance. For Orion and Renn, the jet was more than just a machine—it was their home, and they had entrusted it with their lives. Countless hours spent together in the cockpit had forged a bond between them and the ship, pushing their skills to the limit as a team.

"Orion, are you okay?" Renn asked, noticing that, despite his friend's usual smile, his eyes seemed distant.

Orion knew Renn had picked up on the weight he was carrying. His eyes softened, and with a familiar grin, he responded, "It was harder than I thought."

Renn, knowing what he meant, placed a hand on Orion's shoulder, a quiet gesture of support, knowing his friend was going through a tough time.

For two years, Orion had been in a forbidden relationship with a girl from his technology class at military school. His parents, with their plans for his future, would never have approved. Though Orion loved her deeply, he had just ended his relationship with her. Renn knew his friend was heartbroken.

"Hey, buddies! I thought we came here to play!" A familiar voice echoed across the court, full of energy. Renn and Orion exchanged glances, smiling slightly before turning toward the voice that belonged to their friend Caleb.

"Calm down, Caleb. Give them a break," Akiva called out, rolling his eyes as he sauntered up with his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Shut up, Akiva!" Caleb shot back, waving dismissively, though his tone was playful.

Akiva raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms with a smirk. "Don't shout at me, I'm sensitive, you know," he teased, his grin giving away his true nature.

Caleb groaned dramatically, throwing his hands up. "You are not!" he shouted again, this time with laughter.

Renn chuckled, nudging Orion. "They're at it again."

Orion nodded, amused. "Never gets old."

Caleb and Akiva were their close friends, both fellow pilots from military school. Caleb was serious, with few friends, but his honesty and kindness made him stand out. He had a heart of gold, and Renn knew he would one day be a great leader. Akiva, on the other hand, was the joker of the group, using humor to make friends. He was the tallest, with fiery red hair and glasses. Both were just as skilled as Renn and Orion in piloting, but their specialties lay in developing and programming advanced technology.

Orion and Renn stood up to join their friends, ready for their final basketball match. This was more than just a game; it was their farewell. Tomorrow, they would part ways, perhaps never to see each other again. And so, they decided to say goodbye in the best way they knew how: one last game, played with all the passion and heart they had.

Though they were accustomed to "sky basketball"—a fast-paced, zero-gravity version of the sport—they chose to end things with the classic game, as generations before them had done. They knew the rules well and enjoyed the challenge, even on this old, abandoned court far from the city's bustle.

Caleb split them into two teams, purposefully separating Orion and Renn. He wanted to test them as opponents, knowing they made an unbeatable team together.

As the sun sank lower on the horizon, the match began. Orion and Renn were so in sync that their moves seemed almost choreographed. Whenever one scored, the other responded with an equally impressive play. Though they were on opposing teams, their connection as teammates remained undeniable, elevating the game to new heights.

Renn and Caleb faced off against Orion and Akiva. Right from the start, both teams showed off their impressive skills. Orion and Akiva, using their physical strength, tried to dominate with direct, aggressive plays. Renn and Caleb, meanwhile, relied on quick, precise ball handling, outmaneuvering their opponents with finesse.

Caleb, always strategic, controlled the flow of the game, finding the best opportunities to score. Renn excelled in defense, using his agility to block shots and frustrate his opponents. But Orion and Akiva weren't backing down. They used their strength to control the paint and secure crucial rebounds. Akiva, especially, found ways to break free and score.

The game was intense, filled with fierce competition. In the end, Renn and Caleb emerged victorious in a narrow, thrilling finish.

"This was the best game I've ever played with you," Caleb said seriously. "I don't know where we'll go tomorrow, or if we'll ever see each other again. But I want you to know you can count on me." He pulled out a small, white device with a button in the center. "Look at this—it's fingerprint-activated," he explained. "If you ever need help, press the button. I'll come to you. It can hack any signal and send me your location. I built it for us."

The gift moved them all. As they accepted the devices, tears welled up. The reality of their separation hit hard. Caleb, with his golden heart, had given them one final lifeline. They strapped the devices to their wrists, silently promising to keep their bond alive.

"I don't know where in space they'll send us tomorrow, but let's promise that if any of us finds the others, we'll reunite," Renn said solemnly, and the others nodded in agreement.

After a deep breath, Orion added, "Though, in my case, I know where I'm going. And it feels like it's farther away from you all."

His friends gave him sad smiles, understanding the weight of his duties as Commander Edri's son. The separation wasn't just physical—it was emotional. His parents had never truly accepted his friends.

At that moment, Renn fully realized he was losing his best friend. Orion was more than a comrade; he was family.

Before the mood could grow too heavy, Akiva chimed in with a wicked grin. "This device is illegal, isn't it?" he teased.

"Shut up, Akiva!" Caleb shouted, though laughter filled the air.

As they laughed through their tears, the moon rose, casting a soft light on their final farewell. The game had ended, but their bond would endure, even as they faced an uncertain future.

To be continued...

Next chapter: A new beginning

By Heju 2024