The Star-Jumper settled onto its landing struts in the commercial hangar bay of Varros Prime with a familiar hiss of decompressing hydraulics. The air here was different from the Citadel—thinner, carrying the sharp tang of industrial cleaner and the underlying musk of countless alien species. The constant, low hum of starship traffic was a permanent feature.
The ramp lowered, and three figures descended. Reia led the way, her posture rigid, datapad already in hand as she scanned the bustling port. Evelyn followed, her eyes taking in their surroundings with a cautious, maternal warmth. Silas brought up the rear, stretching his arms over his head with a loud groan.
"Finally! I was starting to get space-cramp in there."
"Your discomfort is noted and filed under 'irrelevant,'" Reia said without looking back, her fingers flying across her datapad. "The Helios spire is in the central district. We move fast."
