Lustral || Complete

VII

     Liri's widened eyes took in the Obsidian Cluster homeworld of Wyrimp, filling the Calypso's main viewscreen. "I've read about the destruction the system faced from being over mined, but I didn't expect the planet to look like Swiss cheese."

     "Gotta love big-wig companies and their idea of improving life for everyone," Syd said dryly.

     "It's disturbing how many families were torn apart," Jax's sharp tone cut through the air. "They were forced to mine their planet dry when the Draconian companies took over. Black lung and other nasty diseases associated with the extraction process nearly exterminated the locals."

     Ardon's wings drooped. "The Mantoid's made a strong comeback—as any bug colony can—but not the other species."

     A beep sounded at Jax's console. He stated, "There's an incoming communication, Syd."

     "Pray, this isn't a pirate." She stood from her captains' chair.

     "They're bein' too nice to be um," Luke stated cheekily from underneath yet another console on the bridge.

     "Shut it, Butterfingers," Syd said while straightening her flight jacket. "Put it through to the viewer, Jax."

     Tension seemed to permeate the bridge as unblinking Mantoid eyes filled the viewscreen. A humming screech sounded before the ship's translator said in a husky male tone, "This is Obsidian Cluster Security, transmit your vehicle registration codes and state your business here."

     "I'd have preferred pirates over this guy any day," Jax grumbled quietly.

     "My name is Captain Sydney Flavian of the starship Calypso. I'm here from the core to drop off a shipment to Bazentine Werks in the province of Leechaha."

     "Captain, this sector is restricted due to the ongoing inner-system unrest."

     "We are aware of the dangers, but we are bringing in medical supplies marked as urgent." Syd signaled Jax with a hand movement.

     His burnt-orange fingers flew over the command controls, and the ship's shields powered down.

     Syd spoke again, "Feel free to scan us."

     Blue laser lights safely passed through the Calypso's hull. Liri held her breath as her body was invaded by the harmless, but unsettling scan.

     A few tense moments later, the Mantoid spoke, "A tracking device will be placed on your exterior to ensure you leave within twenty-four hours. Once you are out of our system, it will detach itself and return to us."

     "No problem. We should be there long enough to drop the load, get paid, and be out of your antenna in no time."

     A metallic ping sounded throughout the ship's hull.

     "Why do I get the feeling there's a leech stuck to my ship, sucking the energy out of its systems or some other nasty thing?" Syd lamented quietly.

     "Don't worry, you'll have a new craft soon," Liri said.

     "Right." A smile tugged at the corner of Syd's mouth.

     "We have cleared your shipment with Bazentine Werks, and you may proceed. Follow the flight path to your designated landing zone within their facility," the Mantoid said.

     The screen reverted to the view of Wyrimp along with bright-blue orbs that strung to the planet below. The Calypso coasted along the indicated flightpath and soon landed.