The Starlight Lancer

Chapter 126: The Break-In

"Some of the worst plans in history have worked simply because no one thought anyone would have the audacity to try them."

—CID Master Detective Hiorda Watt

Reida had told the truth about one thing—the data facility was hard to miss. A metal cube, easily the size of one of Kaado's floating islands, was held up by four support beams jutting from the ocean. The facility floor was suspended a few hundred feet above the crashing waves.

"The landing bay should be on the top floor," Reida said. "When we get in, expect company—and quick. Might be best to wait for them to come to you. Like I said, say you're there to speak to Kazlo and they might be accommodating."

"There's more uncertainty here than I'd like," Zaina grumbled.

Reida shrugged. "Uncertainty's the name of the game in this line of work. Can't expect a reward without taking a risk."

"Okay," Baeus interjected. "We're pulling in for our approach. Zaina, are you ready?"

She stood, taking a deep breath and giving him a stoic nod. Baeus detached his hover-bed from the ship's central console and floated beside her.

"Reida, do take care of the ship. And before you think of running off with it, know that the Order can track it anywhere in the known galaxy—including Tedano."

She rolled her eyes. "Pretty arrogant to assume this ship is even worth my time to lift. No cannons, no room for crew or cargo—pretty useless."

Zaina scoffed. Before she could respond the ship rocked and touched down; the door opened, and she strode out without another word. Baeus was right behind her, and the hatch closed once he was clear.

The landing bay was like most others Zaina had been to; large stacks of cargo crates lined the walls and corners, with palleteers transporting towers of the massive boxes to two elevators on either side of the back wall. Noticeably, Zaina and Baeus's ship was easily the smallest in the bay—every other ship was large enough to transport goods, and almost all of them had cannons.

"So," Baeus said. "You trust her?"

"No," Zaina replied. "Not even a little. In fact, I'd happily see her rot in prison when this is all over."

"I take it your first meeting with her wasn't productive?"

"I'll tell you about it sometime," she replied, her head swiveling to look around for the security force Reida indicated would greet them. "For now, all you need to know is that she's going to fuck us over somehow. We have to keep an eye on it, and it should be fine."

Baeus smiled.

"What? She's a murderer. Seriously. Don't take her lightly."

"No, I am," he replied. "It's just—so much excitement, you know? I've never been on a mission like this before."

She chortled. "They don't let you out of the library much, huh?"

"No, rarely ever," he admitted. "We scholars don't get sent on the exciting missions, unfortunately."

"Well, let's hope it doesn't get too exciting," she replied. "Look, I think they've noticed us."

Three individuals were walking over, two of whom were heavily armored. One was an android, or heavily modified with cybernetics; their body was shiny and black, with a sleek, elongated metal head resting atop it. The other two were human, and considerably smaller than their friend. The human leading the three wore no armor, opting instead for a bright green-and-gold business robe tied by a blue silk sash encrusted with Othran rubies cut into perfect spheres. He had skin the color of clay and bright blonde hair, and looked to be in his early twenties. His unwavering green eyes and well-carried posture spoke to a sense of self-assuredness. He spoke first, and loudly.