The Twilights: The Basics of Secrets

Chapter 8

Jay

Sitting in the bridge, soaring through hyperspace was an indescribable sort of peace. No Empire ships, no suffering planets; just the solidarity in deep space.

Everyone was preparing for descent on Fesnua. The op wasn't anything difficult for our crew, but when you're rebelling against the universe, anything can go wrong at any given moment. Thinking too hard about things doesn't help keep a clear head during an assignment, so my preparation is spent by eating some rations and waiting for our arrival.

The metal doors leading to the bridge slid open with an old creak. Because the ship was so large and old, in its hull were plenty of cracks and crannies; every part of it makes groaning noises at any given time. But it's Brie's pride and joy, so making a sly remark on the rust bucket would very well be your last. Brie now came and sat down in the pilot's seat next to me.

She had wiped off the grease stains on her azure blue skin, but her black hair was still messily pulled back. The clothing, hair, and overall style of everyone in the galaxy is heavily influenced by where they came from. Wonie, like Brie, originate from only a few planets, but they live all over and adapt to whatever culture they live around while still maintaining a sense of selfhood. Brie's look comes from the galaxy itself and living in starships. Flying amongst the stars and jumping from planet to planet gives Brie her own admirable identity.

"She didn't come out of her room." Brie said, fiddling around with the nobs and buttons on the control panel of the ship.

"She'll be fine, she just needs time to adjust to it all." I reassured Brie.

I never had to get use to the lifestyle of a Zario or jetting around the galaxy. I was given to the Zario temple and Rutt village at age 4, training with my master at age 10, and running for survival on my own in the universe by age 13. I think Azura has also had to learn survival at a young age, but only on Sugloria. I've only been to that planet a very few times in my life because it's so reserved and not a lot of people live there. The population is mainly occupied by the frupert; the most peaceful and simplistic beings. Preparing to live on your own on one planet is different from training on multiple worlds.

"I know, but the crew hasn't been the most welcoming and all. But training will go a lot quicker if, I don't know, you established a connection early on or something."

"Why do you care so much about all this?" I raised my eyebrows at her.

"Why don't you?" Brie turned on me quickly. There was a sense of urgency and fire in her blue eyes. She realized her small outburst and reined it back in. Taking a breath, she leaned further back into her chair. "When I was a young girl, I met a Zario once. An unexperienced and alone one, like Azura. Her powers were wild, but it was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. But the local militia caught her, and she was killed by a Zaria. It was horrible, she was so young. Meeting you was just as remarkable as seeing her powers. We've been all over the galaxy many times, and this is one of the first ever Zario we've come across. We can't lose her to the Zaria. I won't let that happen."

I rested my hand on hers. "It won't happen. It's important to me too, but Brie, I have no idea what I'm doing. I didn't train for long; learned so much on my own. I have my doubts about training her because I don't know if I can teach her before the Zaria come running. Her powers are prominent, it won't be long before the Empire takes notice."

"You told me once that Zario can sense others' emotions. Ever think Azura can sense your doubt?"

As time fades, I easily forget my training. Luckily, I have Brie around to remind me. Zario can sense emotions. Right now, I can sense that Azura is terrified. Probably scared about the galaxy and being away with strangers. I can sense Brie's concern about the training. All over the ship, I can sense that Tor is feeling frustrated and Russ's anticipation. Livia's glee of a mission. Luna's worried mind. What makes a Zario so strong is their power to connect with life; understanding people, channeling the forces of nature.