The morning air was crisp. After leaving home, Xion Moon took a steady breath, then walked along the narrow lanes to the outer district, the place where space taxis hovered, stationed like metallic insects waiting for riders. He stepped into one and gave the platform coordinates that Avera had sent him.
The taxi moved swiftly through the vertical arteries of the city, neon signs and distant towers flashing past as he stared out the window, deep in thought. Within minutes, he arrived.
The landing platform was massive almost like a city in itself. A colossal expanse where small to medium-sized spaceships landed to refuel, resupply, and rest. The air was filled with shouts, laughter, and the rumble of engines warming up for flight. People moved like a restless tide some running with urgency, others reclining in cafés and restaurants.
Xion walked through the chaos, following the location beacon Avera had shared. Eventually, he saw her.
She stood tall and radiant. .
Her hair was a pure silver-white, cascading down to her lower back in soft waves. Her face was elegant and sharp, with eyes the color of melting platinum cold, analytical, yet not unkind. She wore a black armor sleek, angular, advanced looking. She exuded a calm, lethal grace.
Beside her stood four other women each striking in their own right.
As he approached, they all turned to look at him. Their gazes varied, curious, warm, amused. Xion felt a twitch of nervousness in his stomach. This felt like being judged by four empresses.
Avera's eyes met his, and her lips curved into a faint smile.
He stopped a respectful distance in front of them and offered a smile.
"Xion Moon. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Avera stepped forward. "Welcome, Xion," she said in a smooth, clear voice."Xion, let me introduce the sisters who make up this squad the family that flies and fights with me."
She stepped forward with pride. "This is Zera, our combat specialist. She's reckless, but that's what makes her deadly."
The red-haired girl smirked and gave a casual salute. Her armor had been customized with red lines and symbols, and her presence was loud, energetic, and filled with a teasing kind of arrogance.
She continued to introduce, To Avera's left was Kaelith, tall and lithe, her skin a soft bronze and her black hair braided back into tight coils. She had eyes like daggers amber alert, she bore the demeanor of a warrior. Her armor was lined with scars from too many close encounters.
Next to her was Selune, pale and doll-like, with shimmering violet eyes that seemed to reflect stars themselves. She wore a violet armor, Her voice, when she murmured something to the others, was soft almost musical.
Lastly, there was Myla, the quietest of them all, with long blue hair and icy blue eyes to match. She stood with her hands behind her back, like a soldier at ease, her gaze distant but perceptive. Her armor was simple, polished, and pristine nothing excessive, but clearly kept in perfect shape.
"These incredible women beside me… they're more than just teammates. They're my sisters."
Avera tone softened "We've bled together. Starved together. Survived things most wouldn't believe. Every scar we carry. So when I say 'sisters,' I don't say it lightly. This squad isn't just a team A family."
Looking him in the eyes she said "By stepping here today, you've been welcomed into something rare. We may not share blood, but we carry each other's burdens. That's what it means to be part of this family. We don't leave anyone behind. Ever."
The weight in her voice so genuine and full of warmth hit Xion hard. the chaos of the world outside seemed fade away.
Zera chuckled. "Guess we're stuck with a pretty boy now."
Kaelith rolled her eyes, Selune gave a tiny smile, and even Myla's stoic lips twitched.
He nodded said "It's an honor... to be part of this beautiful family." his voice sincere.
That drew a few raised brows and a soft laugh from Selune.
The girls' expressions softened, each giving a small smile.
Avera gestured toward a nearby black ship parked on the sleek surface. "Come. Let me show you our pride."
The ship was a sleek, matte-black vessel, shaped like a soaring hawk. A medium-class warcraft modified for agility and speed, it was elegant but tough, with gleaming engine ports and chrome-blue lining along the hull. The name Astral Wyrm was etched in silver just beneath the front panel.
"We all worked missions together for years to buy this beauty," Avera explained as they entered through a retractable ramp. "Every credit, every hard-earned reward went into building our home in the stars."
As they walked up the ramp, the interior lights flickered on, illuminating polished steel floors. hallways reinforced with lightweight armor plating, motion-sensitive lights, and a faint hum of energy through the walls.
Avera showed him the central corridor, the small infirmary, the armory with each girl's gear lined up in perfect order, and training area before stopping at a small room.
"This is yours."
It was modest. A medium-sized bed, a wall-integrated closet, and a narrow window that opened to the outside docks. Clean, functional, and quiet.
"I hope it's comfortable enough," Avera said, her arms folded behind her back.
"It's perfect," Xion said honestly.
Eventually, they all made their way to the heart of the ship the planning chamber. A circular room with a holographic table in the center, surrounded by seven chairs.
Everyone sat down, and Avera took her place at the head.
She tapped a few controls, and a faint hologram of a royal crest appeared above the table an eagle with silver wings crowned with six stars.
"The mission," she began, "comes from the Wals Empire. Specifically, their princess."
The girls murmured, a mix of surprise and curiosity.
"She hasn't shared many details yet," Avera continued. "But she emphasized that it's not dangerous. It's a personal matter… sensitive in nature."
They exchanged glances but nodded. Avera continued. "We'll meet her in person shortly and get the details. For now, be ready."
With that, they moved to the bridge. Avera took her place at the captain's seat. Myla, took the pilot chair.
"Coordinates locked. Engine warmed up," Myla said softly.
"Good," Avera responded. "Initiate takeoff."
With a low rumble, the Ship rose from the pad. The docking clamps released, and the ship tilted upward. revealing the starlit void of space.
"Let's go," Avera said.
The ship launched forward.