They Tried to Tear the Suit Off—It Chose Her Instead | HFY - video Dailymotion

Sarge's Tales

“Take It Off!” He Ordered—But the Alien Girl’s Living Armor Kept Squeezing Her Tighter! Story Highlights: * HFY (Humanity, F* Yeah!)**: Witness the unyielding spirit of humanity in the face of cosmic challenges. * Humans are Space Orcs: Explore a universe where humans are the formidable force that alien civilizations both fear and respect. * Sci-Fi Short Story: Perfect for a quick escape into a world of advanced technology and interstellar conflicts. * Reddit HFY and Sci-Fi Stories: Featuring top stories from r/HFY and other sci-fi subreddits, curated for your enjoyment.   Keywords: HFY, HFY Story, HFY Short Story, HFY War, Science Fiction, Sci-Fi Story, Sci-Fi Short Story, Sci-fi HFY, Humans are Space Orcs, Reddit HFY Stories, Reddit Stories, Reddit Humans are Space Orcs, Reddit Sci-Fi Stories, HFY Stories, Short story for sleep, fantasy sleep story, AudioBook, Narration, scifistories, Reddit, scifi, r/hfy, HFY Stories, scifi short, short stories, High Fantasy Stories, Fantasy Stories, reddit stories, sleep stories, Cosmic stories, Cosmic HFY, Futuristic Adventures, SciFi Stories, HFY Sci-Fi, Galactic HFY, Starbound HFY, Free Audio Book, Sci Fi Realm, Sci Fi Universe, alien human stories, alien stories, human stories, storytelling, fiction, audiobook, galactic federation, space force, humans are space orcs binge, humans are space orcs story, a single ship, temper temper, We don't Kill Humans  Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more incredible stories. Hit the bell icon to stay updated on our latest uploads! #HFY #SciFi #Fantasy #RedditStories #Audiobook #HumansAreSpaceOrcs #SciFiShortStory #HFYWar #SciFiFantasy #SleepStory #GalacticAdventures Join us on Sci-Fantasy and let your imagination soar across the stars!#HFY #SciFi #Fantasy #RedditStories #Audiobook #HumansAreSpaceOrcs #SciFiShortStory #HFYWar #SciFiFantasy #SleepStory #GalacticAdventures

Transcript

00:00:00Welcome to the world of science fiction, where extraordinary tales come to life.

00:00:04Enjoy the journey.

00:00:06The asteroid spun past the viewport, close enough to count the crater marks.

00:00:11The pilot took another bite of his burger and yanked the control stick hard left.

00:00:17Unidentified vessel, cut your engines immediately.

00:00:21The voice crackling through the comm system carried military authority and barely contained rage.

00:00:27This is your final warning.

00:00:31Classic rock thundered through the cramped cockpit, drowning out most of the threat.

00:00:36The pilot reached over with his burger-free hand and cranked the volume higher.

00:00:41ACDC's Highway to Hell seemed appropriate for the occasion.

00:00:46In the co-pilot's seat, a four-armed Vendorian gripped every available surface, his green skin fading to a sickly yellow.

00:00:54They're going to kill us! Why are you eating? How can you eat?

00:00:59Best burger in three systems, Grix.

00:01:02The pilot adjusted his sunglasses and took another bite, special sauce dripping onto his sand-colored shirt.

00:01:10Be ashamed to waste it!

00:01:11A laser bolt sizzled past, close enough to leave scorch marks on the hull.

00:01:17The shuttle's proximity alarm screamed.

00:01:20The pilot rolled right, threading between two tumbling asteroids with inches to spare.

00:01:26His brown work boots worked the pedals with practiced ease while he steered one-handed.

00:01:32Turn around and nobody gets hurt.

00:01:34A different voice now, younger, trying too hard to sound tough.

00:01:38The pilot finally keyed the comm.

00:01:41Define hurt, because this music's probably damaging your hearing, and I'd feel terrible about that.

00:01:48The response came in laser form.

00:01:51Three fighters emerged from behind a massive asteroid, weapons blazing.

00:01:55The pilot sighed, set his burger carefully on the dash, and gripped the stick with both hands.

00:02:02Grix, hold my lunch!

00:02:04The Vendorian fumbled with the wrapper.

00:02:06What are you...

00:02:08The shuttle dropped into a spiraling dive that physics shouldn't have allowed.

00:02:13The fighters overshot, their pilots cursing over open channels.

00:02:18The pilot pulled up hard, using a small asteroid's gravity to slingshot around and behind his pursuers.

00:02:25Spicy mustard, he said, glancing at his burger.

00:02:28That's the secret.

00:02:30Most places go standard yellow, but...

00:02:32They're turning around.

00:02:34I see them.

00:02:35He barrel-rolled between laser fire, casual as a Sunday drive.

00:02:41You know what this reminds me of?

00:02:43That time on Kellyanne Prime when...

00:02:45I don't want to know!

00:02:47The pilot shrugged and reached for his burger.

00:02:50A direct hit shook the shuttle, sparking the console.

00:02:53He looked at the fresh char mark on his lunch, and his jaw tightened.

00:02:57The first sign of actual emotion since the chase began.

00:03:01Now that's just rude.

00:03:03Six hours earlier, the loading dock of Helio Station hummed with typical morning chaos.

00:03:10Vendors hawked everything from Andromedan silk to questionable, fresh seafood.

00:03:16The smell of ozone mixed with grilling meat and alien spices.

00:03:20Matt's burger paradise occupied prime real estate near the main thoroughfare, its retro neon sign flickering cheerfully.

00:03:29Inside, the owner himself worked the grill, moving with economical grace between sizzling patties and fresh-cut fries.

00:03:38Order up!

00:03:39He slid a tray across the counter to a waiting Korthax businessman.

00:03:44Extra pickles.

00:03:45Hold the tomato.

00:03:46Sauce on the side.

00:03:48Just how you like it, Ultar.

00:03:49The reptilian regular hissed appreciation.

00:03:54Ultar remember everyone's order?

00:03:57Just the interesting ones.

00:03:59He wiped his hands on his apron.

00:04:01White once.

00:04:02Now a canvas of condiment history.

00:04:05Speaking of interesting, your wife know you're eating meat again?

00:04:09Ultar's scales flushed purple.

00:04:12What happens at Matt's stays at Matt's.

00:04:15That'll be twelve credits.

00:04:16Fifteen if you want my silence.

00:04:18Highway robbery?

00:04:21Nah, that's down in Cargo Bay 7.

00:04:23I just make good burgers.

00:04:25They shared a laugh.

00:04:27Matt had already turned back to the grill when Ultar called out,

00:04:30Hey, weren't you supposed to get a delivery today?

00:04:33Saw Grix heading down to loading.

00:04:36Yeah, weekly supply run.

00:04:38Why?

00:04:39Security's been crawling all over down there.

00:04:42Something about federal inspectors.

00:04:44Matt's spatula paused for a heartbeat.

00:04:47Feds?

00:04:47Here?

00:04:49That's what I heard.

00:04:51Probably nothing.

00:04:52You know how rumors...

00:04:54A distant explosion shook the station.

00:04:57The lights flickered.

00:04:59Conversations died.

00:05:01Matt set down his spatula with deliberate calm.

00:05:04Ultar.

00:05:05Mind watching the grill?

00:05:07Just flip anything that starts smoking.

00:05:09Where are you going?

00:05:11To check on my vegetables.

00:05:12He untied his apron, movements unhurried.

00:05:17Can't make good burgers without fresh produce.

00:05:20He walked out, leaving behind confused customers and burning meat.

00:05:25His casual stride never changed, but anyone watching closely might have noticed how his hand checked the knife on his belt.

00:05:33Just a kitchen tool.

00:05:34Nothing special about it.

00:05:36The loading dock sprawled across three levels, a maze of containers and cargo lifts.

00:05:42Matt followed familiar routes, nodding to dockers and merchants.

00:05:47Normal day.

00:05:47Normal delivery run.

00:05:50Nothing to see here.

00:05:51He found Grix's shuttle in Bay 47, rear hatch open.

00:05:55No sign of the Vendorian.

00:05:58Matt climbed the ramp, calling out,

00:06:00Grix, you better not be sampling my inventory again.

00:06:04We talked about...

00:06:05The words died in his throat.

00:06:08Blood pooled around an unfamiliar pair of boots.

00:06:11Federal agent, judging by the uniform.

00:06:14Very dead, judging by the hole in his chest.

00:06:17Still warm, judging by the steam rising from the wound.

00:06:22Matt knelt, professional habits overriding shock.

00:06:26No pulse.

00:06:27Not that he expected one with that much damage.

00:06:30The agent's hand clutched something.

00:06:33A crystal the size of a thumb, pulsing with soft blue light.

00:06:37Matt had seen plenty of strange artifacts in his previous life,

00:06:41but this one made his teeth ache just looking at it.

00:06:44Footsteps.

00:06:45Multiple sets, moving fast.

00:06:48He pocketed the crystal and rose smoothly,

00:06:51turning toward the cargo holds depths.

00:06:53Grix's voice echoed from somewhere inside, high and panicked.

00:06:57I just pilot the shuttle.

00:06:59No, I don't know anything about...

00:07:02Wrong answer.

00:07:03The wet sound that followed needed no interpretation.

00:07:07Matt moved deeper into the hold, silent despite his work boots.

00:07:12Three men stood over Grix's body.

00:07:14Military training in their stance.

00:07:16Criminal intent in their actions.

00:07:19The leader, scarred face, dead eyes, spoke into a comm unit.

00:07:24Package secured.

00:07:25Agent eliminated.

00:07:26Some local nobody saw too much.

00:07:29He gestured at Grix's corpse.

00:07:32Heading back to...

00:07:33He noticed Matt.

00:07:34For a frozen moment, they stared at each other across 20 feet of cargo containers and bad decisions.

00:07:40Well, Matt said, this is awkward.

00:07:44The scarred man drew his weapon.

00:07:46Kill him.

00:07:47Quietly.

00:07:49Matt dove left as laser fire split the air where he'd stood.

00:07:53He rolled behind a container, mind already calculating angles and distances.

00:07:59Three hostiles.

00:08:00Armed.

00:08:01Trained.

00:08:02He had a kitchen knife and a talent for bad timing, just like old times.

00:08:07Present.

00:08:07The shuttle bucked and shuddered, more hits peppering the hull.

00:08:13Warning lights painted the cockpit red.

00:08:15Grix had progressed from yellow to an alarming shade of white.

00:08:19Derelict station at two o'clock, the pilot announced, pointing with his burger.

00:08:24Think we can make it?

00:08:26Make it?

00:08:27We'll be lucky if we don't explode before...

00:08:28Positive thinking, Grix.

00:08:31Very important in crisis situations.

00:08:34Another hit.

00:08:36The shuttle lurched sideways.

00:08:38The pilot corrected with one hand, finished his burger with the other, then grabbed the controls properly.

00:08:45All right.

00:08:45Fun's over.

00:08:46He killed the music and threw the shuttle into a series of moves that belonged in a military training manual, not a civilian cargo run.

00:08:56The pursuing fighter struggled to match his increasingly impossible maneuvers.

00:09:01One clipped an asteroid trying to follow his corkscrew dive through a narrow gap.

00:09:05How are you doing this?

00:09:08Grix gasped.

00:09:09Video games.

00:09:10Very educational.

00:09:12They burst from the asteroid field into open space.

00:09:15The derelict station loomed ahead, a massive wheel of dead metal and forgotten dreams.

00:09:22Its docking bays gape like mouths.

00:09:25They'll follow us in, Grix warned, counting on it.

00:09:29The pilot aimed for the largest opening.

00:09:32Ever hear of Theseus Station?

00:09:33The ghost station?

00:09:35Where that whole colony disappeared fifty years ago.

00:09:39Sixty-three years.

00:09:40And they didn't disappear.

00:09:43He flew into the bay at full speed, proximity alarm shrieking.

00:09:47They just went deeper.

00:09:50The shuttle scraped along the deck, throwing sparks.

00:09:53The pilot killed the engines and grabbed a frying pan from under his seat.

00:09:58Not standard shuttle equipment, but then nothing about this day had been standard.

00:10:02Come on!

00:10:03He kicked open the hatch.

00:10:05Time to disappear ourselves.

00:10:07They ran through corridors thick with dust and old fears.

00:10:12Emergency lighting flickered at random intervals, casting dancing shadows.

00:10:17Behind them, the fighters landed hard, their pilots shouting coordinates.

00:10:21The pilot led them deeper, following signs in languages dead longer than the station.

00:10:27He seemed to know where he was going, which worried Grix almost as much as the armed pursuit.

00:10:34In here.

00:10:35He yanked open a heavy door marked with biohazard warnings in six languages.

00:10:40Close it behind us.

00:10:41The room beyond defied the station's derelict status.

00:10:46Clean.

00:10:47Powered.

00:10:49Dominated by a capsule that belonged in a museum or a nightmare.

00:10:53Soft light pulsed from within, synchronized with something that might have been breathing.

00:10:58Oh, that's not ominous at all, the pilot muttered.

00:11:02Grix stared.

00:11:03What is it?

00:11:04How should I know?

00:11:06I just fly shuttles and flip burgers.

00:11:08But he approached anyway, drawn by professional curiosity and terrible life choices.

00:11:13The capsule's surface was transparent aluminum, revealing a figure inside.

00:11:19A woman.

00:11:20No.

00:11:21Not quite.

00:11:22Humanoid, certainly.

00:11:24But her skin held the deep purple of cosmic radiation, darker at the extremities and lightning

00:11:30toward her center like a living nebula.

00:11:33Her hair spread around her in the suspension fluid, the same impossible violet as a binary sunset.

00:11:39Even in stasis, she radiated danger the way stars radiated light.

00:11:46The pilot whistled low.

00:11:48Okay, that's definitely not from around here.

00:11:51We should go.

00:11:52Now.

00:11:52Before...

00:11:53The door exploded inward.

00:11:56Laser fire filled the air.

00:11:58The pilot yanked Grix down, his frying pan already in motion.

00:12:02The cast iron deflected two shots back at their attackers.

00:12:06One man dropped clutching his shoulder.

00:12:08Impossible, someone shouted.

00:12:11Nobody's that lucky.

00:12:13Practice, the pilot corrected, rolling behind the capsule.

00:12:17Also, quality cookware.

00:12:19You can't skimp on kitchen equipment.

00:12:22More fire.

00:12:23The capsule took several hits, its surface cracking.

00:12:26Fluid began to leak, then spray.

00:12:29Alarms wailed.

00:12:31Uh-oh, the pilot said.

00:12:33The capsule exploded.

00:12:34The woman erupted from stasis like violence given form.

00:12:39Black material flowed over her purple skin, forming armor that seemed alive, responding to her movement before she made it.

00:12:47Her eyes snapped open.

00:12:49Gold irises with vertical pupils, focusing immediately on threats.

00:12:54She moved.

00:12:55The first attacker didn't see her coming.

00:12:58His neck snapped with artistic precision.

00:13:01She flowed to the second, her armor extending blade-like projections that opened his throat.

00:13:07The third managed to scream before she put him through a wall.

00:13:10Then she turned to the pilot and Grix.

00:13:13Oh boy, the pilot said, raising his frying pan.

00:13:17Any chance we could talk about this?

00:13:19She answered with action.

00:13:21Her kick would have taken his head off if he hadn't ducked.

00:13:25He rolled away, swinging the pan in a defensive arc.

00:13:28She caught it, crushed it like paper, and threw a punch that cracked the floor where he'd been standing.

00:13:34I'm friendly, he dove behind an overturned table.

00:13:38Mostly friendly.

00:13:39Occasionally friendly.

00:13:41She vaulted the table, armor forming claws.

00:13:45He grabbed a broken pipe, deflecting her strike in a shower of sparks.

00:13:50Their dance continued, her advancing with lethal grace, him retreating with desperate creativity.

00:13:57Listen, purple.

00:13:58Can I call you purple?

00:14:00I feel like we got off on the wrong foot here.

00:14:02Her only response was a spinning kick that he barely slipped.

00:14:07Her armor began to pulse, reacting to something.

00:14:11Anger?

00:14:11The more aggressive she became, the tighter it seemed to constrict.

00:14:16More soldiers poured through the broken door.

00:14:19The woman spun to face them, but the armor suddenly contracted, squeezing her midsection.

00:14:25She gasped, stumbling.

00:14:27Hey!

00:14:28The pilot stepped between her and the soldiers.

00:14:30Nobody shoots the lady in the murder suit except me.

00:14:34He threw his bent frying pan with surprising accuracy, catching the lead soldier in the face.

00:14:40Then he was moving, using everything as weapons.

00:14:44Pipes, debris, a soldier's own helmet after relieving him of it.

00:14:49The woman watched him fight, confusion replacing rage.

00:14:53Her armor loosened slightly.

00:14:55You're protecting me?

00:14:57Her voice carried harmonic undertones, like multiple people speaking in near-perfect synchronization.

00:15:04Apparently, he ducked a laser bolt.

00:15:07Seemed like a good idea five seconds ago, having second thoughts now.

00:15:12She stood, armor flowing back into combat configuration.

00:15:16Together they fought, strangers united by necessity.

00:15:19She was precision and purpose.

00:15:22He was chaos and creativity.

00:15:24Somehow, it worked.

00:15:26The last soldier fell.

00:15:28Silence descended, broken only by Grix, whimpering in a corner.

00:15:34Thanks, the woman said, though she sounded like it hurt to say it.

00:15:38Who are you?

00:15:39Just a guy who makes burgers.

00:15:42He examined his ruined frying pan with genuine sadness.

00:15:45This was my favorite pan.

00:15:48She stepped closer.

00:15:50The armor rippled, responding to something.

00:15:53Nobody fights like that making burgers.

00:15:56You'd be surprised.

00:15:57Saturday night shifts get rough.

00:16:00He met her golden gaze steadily.

00:16:02What's your name?

00:16:04Nami.

00:16:05She tilted her head, studying him.

00:16:07You have it.

00:16:08Have what?

00:16:09The ethereal key.

00:16:11I can sense it.

00:16:12Her armor began to tighten again, responding to rising emotion.

00:16:18Give it to me.

00:16:19Now.

00:16:20He backed away, hands raised.

00:16:22Whoa, hold up.

00:16:24I don't know what you're...

00:16:25The crystal.

00:16:26She stepped forward, then gasped as the armor contracted painfully.

00:16:32You took it from the agent.

00:16:34Give it to me.

00:16:36Okay, okay.

00:16:38He pulled the blue crystal from his pocket.

00:16:40But you need to calm down.

00:16:43That suit's trying to squeeze you like a tube of toothpaste.

00:16:46She reached for the crystal, but her armor locked up, forcing her to her knees.

00:16:52Her face contorted with pain and frustration.

00:16:56I...

00:16:56Can't.

00:16:58Hey, easy.

00:17:00He knelt beside her, all joking gone.

00:17:03Breathe.

00:17:04Just breathe.

00:17:06Whatever that thing is, it's feeding off your emotions.

00:17:09Don't tell me what to do.

00:17:12Fine.

00:17:14Suffocate.

00:17:15See if I care.

00:17:16But his hands were gentle as he steadied her shoulders.

00:17:20I've got nowhere to be.

00:17:22Take your time.

00:17:24Despite everything, she almost smiled.

00:17:27You're... infuriating.

00:17:29So I've been told, focus on my voice.

00:17:33In through the nose.

00:17:35Out through the mouth.

00:17:36Pretend you're at a spa.

00:17:38A really violent, corpse-filled spa.

00:17:42Gradually, her breathing steadied.

00:17:45The armor relaxed its grip.

00:17:47She looked up at him, golden eyes suspicious but no longer hostile.

00:17:52The key, she said.

00:17:54I needed to save my people.

00:17:55And those guys?

00:17:58He gestured at the bodies.

00:17:59They wanted it for what?

00:18:01Their retirement fund.

00:18:03They work for someone.

00:18:04Someone who betrayed.

00:18:06She stopped, rising smoothly.

00:18:08We can't stay here.

00:18:10More will come.

00:18:12We?

00:18:12She looked at him like he was particularly slow.

00:18:16You have the key.

00:18:17I need the key until I get it.

00:18:19We're together.

00:18:20That's not how ownership works.

00:18:23The armor rippled.

00:18:24Would you prefer I take it?

00:18:26Would you prefer I help you?

00:18:28He stood, matching her stare.

00:18:31Because right now, you need me.

00:18:33You don't know this station.

00:18:35You don't know where those soldiers came from.

00:18:38Hell, you don't even know what year it is.

00:18:40She blinked.

00:18:41What year?

00:18:43My point exactly.

00:18:44He turned to Grix.

00:18:46You alive over there.

00:18:48Unfortunately, the Vendorian squeaked.

00:18:51Good.

00:18:51Know any back ways to the ship?

00:18:53Several.

00:18:54But they'll be watching.

00:18:56Every screen in the room flared to life.

00:18:59A face appeared.

00:19:01Handsome in a calculated way, with perfect teeth and dead eyes.

00:19:05The pilot tensed just slightly.

00:19:08Nami noticed.

00:19:10Citizens of Helio Station, the face announced.

00:19:13I am Darius Kane, operating under federal authority.

00:19:17A dangerous terrorist has escaped custody, killing several agents.

00:19:21He has also kidnapped a valuable alien asset.

00:19:25The screen showed security footage.

00:19:28The pilot, at the first murder scene, edited to look damning.

00:19:33Then Nami, labeled as,

00:19:35Xarian Princess, Xarian Princess, extreme danger.

00:19:38A reward of 50,000 credits awaits anyone who provides information leading to their capture.

00:19:45Dead or alive.

00:19:47Kane out.

00:19:48The screens went dark.

00:19:50Terrorist?

00:19:51The pilot sounded genuinely offended.

00:19:54I haven't been a terrorist in, well, ever, actually.

00:19:58That's just hurtful.

00:19:59Nami studied him with new interest.

00:20:03You know him.

00:20:05Used to.

00:20:06Long time ago.

00:20:07His casual mask slipped back into place.

00:20:11Shall we go?

00:20:12I know a great burger place if we survive this.

00:20:15The key?

00:20:17Stays with me until we're somewhere safe to talk.

00:20:20He headed for the door.

00:20:22Deal?

00:20:22She wanted to argue.

00:20:24He could see it in how her armor bristled.

00:20:27But pragmatism won.

00:20:29Deal.

00:20:29For now.

00:20:31Great.

00:20:32Grix, you're on navigation.

00:20:34Purple, sorry, Nami.

00:20:36You're on hitting things.

00:20:37I'll handle the witty banter.

00:20:40What witty banter?

00:20:41Trust me, there's always witty banter.

00:20:44He checked the corridor, then looked back with a grin that belonged on someone half his age with twice his sense.

00:20:51Ready to run?

00:20:52I was born ready.

00:20:54Funny.

00:20:55I was born in Milwaukee.

00:20:57Let's go.

00:20:58They ran through dying corridors while the station woke around them, drawn by the promise of blood money.

00:21:05Behind them, alarms wailed and boots thundered.

00:21:09Ahead lay uncertainty, danger, and the distinct possibility of death.

00:21:15The pilot couldn't stop smiling.

00:21:17Just like old times, the docking bay erupted in chaos.

00:21:21Laser fire carved molten lines across the walls as the pilot, Matt, though he hadn't admitted it yet, dove behind a cargo loader.

00:21:31Nami flowed past him, her bio-armor extending razor-sharp tendrils that sliced through two bounty hunters before they could scream.

00:21:39Left side, Matt called, already moving.

00:21:43She spun, armor forming a shield that deflected incoming fire.

00:21:48I see them.

00:21:50No.

00:21:51Your other.

00:21:51Never mind.

00:21:52He rolled out, grabbed a maintenance torch from a dead mechanic's belt, and hurled it like a spear.

00:21:59It punctured a fuel cell.

00:22:01The explosion scattered their attackers.

00:22:03Grix, where's that ship?

00:22:06The Vendorian's voice crackled through stolen comm units.

00:22:10Bay 12!

00:22:11But there's...

00:22:11Oh no!

00:22:12Oh no, no, no, no!

00:22:13What?

00:22:14Company.

00:22:15Through the smoke, armored federal troops advanced in formation.

00:22:20Professional.

00:22:21Organized.

00:22:22Nothing like the desperate bounty hunters they'd been cutting through.

00:22:26Ideas?

00:22:28Nami asked, pressing close enough that he felt her armor's strange warmth against his back.

00:22:34Yeah.

00:22:34Run faster.

00:22:36They sprinted through the crossfire.

00:22:38Matt's hands found weapons in everything.

00:22:41A wrench became a throwing star.

00:22:43A broken pipe transformed into a bow staff.

00:22:46But it was Nami who cleared their path, her armor shifting between shield and sword with liquid grace.

00:22:53Bay 12 held a sleek courier ship, engines already hot.

00:22:59Grix waved frantically from the open ramp.

00:23:01Hurry!

00:23:02They've locked down the...

00:23:04The bay doors began grinding shut.

00:23:07Go, go, go!

00:23:08Matt shoved Nami up the ramp and followed, firing a stolen pistol behind them.

00:23:14Grix, get us airborne.

00:23:17But the doors...

00:23:18I'll handle the doors.

00:23:19He threw himself into the pilot's seat, hands dancing across controls with intimate familiarity.

00:23:27The ship lurched up, engines screaming.

00:23:30Nami gripped the co-pilot's chair.

00:23:32We won't make it.

00:23:34Watch me.

00:23:35He killed the main engines and fired the laterals, throwing the ship into a flat spin.

00:23:41They cleared the closing doors with inches to spare, paint scraping metal in a shower of sparks.

00:23:47Impossible, Grix breathed.

00:23:50Improbable, Matt corrected, re-engaging the main drive.

00:23:54Big difference.

00:23:56Space opened before them, infinite and hostile.

00:24:00Behind, Helio Station's defense grid came online.

00:24:05Targeting lasers painted their hull.

00:24:07They're scrambling fighters, Nami reported, reading displays with practiced ease.

00:24:13Good.

00:24:14I was getting bored.

00:24:15Matt's fingers flew across the navigation console.

00:24:19Plot a course for.

00:24:21Anywhere but here.

00:24:22You don't have a plan?

00:24:24I have several plans.

00:24:26They're all terrible.

00:24:28He threw them into a spiral as the first missiles launched.

00:24:32You want to hear plan A or plan B?

00:24:35What's the difference?

00:24:36Plan A, we'd probably die.

00:24:39Plan B, we'd definitely die, but it'll look cooler.

00:24:42Her armor rippled.

00:24:43Amusement?

00:24:45Plan C?

00:24:46Make something up as we go.

00:24:48He grinned at her.

00:24:50My specialty.

00:24:51Despite everything, she almost smiled back.

00:24:54Then the ship shuddered, thrown sideways by a near miss.

00:24:59Jump coordinates locked in, Grix announced.

00:25:01But we need 30 seconds to, we don't have 30 seconds.

00:25:05Nami pointed at the tactical display.

00:25:08Six fighters closing fast.

00:25:11Matt's expression shifted.

00:25:13Playfulness vanishing.

00:25:14His hands moved with surgical precision, coaxing impossible performance from the courier's engines.

00:25:20They danced between laser fire, each evasion calculated to the millimeter.

00:25:27How?

00:25:28Nami watched him work.

00:25:30No burger chef flies like this.

00:25:32Good thing I make terrible burgers.

00:25:35He triggered the jump drive.

00:25:37Hold on to something.

00:25:38Reality twisted.

00:25:39The stars stretched into lines, then vanished.

00:25:43The ship plunged into hyperspace with a sound like tearing silk.

00:25:48Then silence.

00:25:49Just the hum of the drive and Grix hyperventilating in the corner.

00:25:54Matt leaned back.

00:25:55Tension flowing out of him.

00:25:57See?

00:25:58Plan C.

00:25:59Works every time.

00:26:01That was...

00:26:02Nami searched for words.

00:26:04Adequate.

00:26:05Adequate?

00:26:06I just thread a needle at light speed and I get adequate?

00:26:11He clutched his chest dramatically.

00:26:14You wound me, Purple.

00:26:16Her armor tightened slightly.

00:26:18Don't call me that.

00:26:20Would you prefer violet?

00:26:21Indigo?

00:26:22Lavender?

00:26:23The armor tightened more.

00:26:25She forced a breath through clenched teeth.

00:26:28Just...

00:26:28Nami.

00:26:29All right?

00:26:30Just Nami.

00:26:32He stood, stretching.

00:26:33I'm going to find some food.

00:26:36Save the universe better on a full stomach.

00:26:39She watched him go.

00:26:40Golden eyes narrowed.

00:26:42Her armor slowly relaxed as he left, responding to emotions she wouldn't name.

00:26:48The courier's galley was small but well-stocked.

00:26:52Matt rummaged through cabinets, movements automatic.

00:26:55His hands shook slightly.

00:26:57Adrenaline crash.

00:26:59He'd hidden it well, but that escape had been closer than he'd let on.

00:27:03You fly like a ghost.

00:27:05He didn't jump.

00:27:06Credit to his training.

00:27:08Nami stood in the doorway, studying him.

00:27:11Ghosts don't fly.

00:27:13They float.

00:27:14Totally different technique.

00:27:16He found protein bars and tossed her one.

00:27:19Hungry?

00:27:20She caught it one-handed.

00:27:21You're deflecting.

00:27:23I'm multitasking.

00:27:25Deflecting and making dinner.

00:27:26He unwrapped his own bar, grimaced at the taste.

00:27:31Remind me to steal a better ship next time.

00:27:34The way you move back there.

00:27:35The way you fight.

00:27:37She stepped closer.

00:27:38Her armor had receded partially, leaving her arms and neck exposed.

00:27:44Purple skin caught the galley's harsh lighting, making her seem to glow.

00:27:48No civilian has those reflexes.

00:27:51You'd be surprised what food service teaches you.

00:27:55Stop.

00:27:56No anger in it.

00:27:57Just certainty.

00:27:59I've trained since birth to read opponents.

00:28:01Body language.

00:28:02Micro expressions.

00:28:04Breathing patterns.

00:28:05Another step.

00:28:07You're not who you pretend to be.

00:28:09Neither are you.

00:28:11He met her gaze.

00:28:12Princess.

00:28:14Her armor flared.

00:28:15I'm not, how did you, Kane's broadcast.

00:28:18Plus, you carry yourself like royalty trying not to be royalty.

00:28:22He took another bite of the awful protein bar.

00:28:26Dead giveaway.

00:28:27I'm a warrior.

00:28:28Sure.

00:28:29A warrior who happens to have perfect posture and unconsciously expects people to obey.

00:28:35He smiled at her expression.

00:28:38It's cute.

00:28:39Cute?

00:28:40The armor rippled dangerously.

00:28:42Adorable, really.

00:28:43The way you try to sound common, but your accent slips on certain words.

00:28:48Court dialect, right?

00:28:50Bet you had elocution lessons.

00:28:52She moved faster than thought.

00:28:54Her hand closed on his throat, pressing him against the bulkhead.

00:28:58Not hard enough to hurt.

00:29:00Yet.

00:29:01You know nothing about me.

00:29:03I know you're scared.

00:29:05He didn't fight her grip.

00:29:07Not of me.

00:29:08Of that suit.

00:29:09Of losing control.

00:29:11His voice stayed conversational, despite her hand on his windpipe.

00:29:16Of wanting things you think warriors shouldn't want.

00:29:20Her armor began to constrict.

00:29:22She gasped, grip loosening.

00:29:24Breathe, he said gently.

00:29:26Just like before.

00:29:28I don't... need your help.

00:29:30But she was already struggling, the armor responding to emotional turmoil.

00:29:36Right.

00:29:36You're doing great.

00:29:38He carefully placed his hands on her shoulders.

00:29:41In through the nose.

00:29:42Shut up.

00:29:43Out through the mouth.

00:29:44I said shut.

00:29:46She stopped.

00:29:47His thumbs had found pressure points, massaging gently.

00:29:51The armor flickered, uncertain.

00:29:53What are you doing?

00:29:55Helping.

00:29:56Quietly.

00:29:57Since you asked so nicely.

00:30:00His touch remained clinical, but warmth spread from the contact.

00:30:05Your armor's psychoreactive, right?

00:30:07Responds to stress?

00:30:09How did you...

00:30:10She bit off the question.

00:30:12Under his hands, her muscles slowly unknotted.

00:30:16Lucky guess.

00:30:17His thumbs worked in slow circles.

00:30:20Also, it tried to strangle you every time you got angry.

00:30:24Didn't take a genius.

00:30:25She should have pulled away.

00:30:28Should have maintained distance.

00:30:30Instead, she found herself leaning into his touch.

00:30:34The armor loosened, receding further.

00:30:37This is inappropriate, she managed.

00:30:39Probably.

00:30:40But he didn't stop.

00:30:42Want me to be more inappropriate?

00:30:44I could tell jokes.

00:30:46Despite herself, she laughed.

00:30:48A small sound, quickly suppressed, but real.

00:30:51The armor shimmered and withdrew completely from her upper body, leaving only strategic coverage.

00:30:59They stood too close.

00:31:00She could see the faint scars on his neck, old and precisely placed.

00:31:05Torture marks.

00:31:07Her hand rose unconsciously to trace one.

00:31:10He caught her wrist.

00:31:11Don't.

00:31:12Why?

00:31:13Because if you keep touching me like that, I'm going to do something stupid.

00:31:17Like what?

00:31:20His other hand cupped her face, thumb brushing her cheekbone.

00:31:24Like, remember, I'm human.

00:31:28The galley's harsh light caught the purple undertones in her skin, turned her golden eyes molten.

00:31:35She leaned closer, drawn by gravity he didn't want to name.

00:31:39The ship lurched.

00:31:40Alarms screamed.

00:31:42They broke apart as Grix's panicked voice echoed through the comm.

00:31:46Subspace rupture.

00:31:48Something's coming through.

00:31:50Matt hit the intercom.

00:31:51On my way!

00:31:53He glanced at Nami.

00:31:54Rain check on that inappropriate thing?

00:31:57She'd already shifted to combat mode, armor flowing back into place.

00:32:02But something had changed.

00:32:04The suit moved differently now.

00:32:06More fluid.

00:32:07Less constrictive.

00:32:09Go, she said.

00:32:10I'll check the weapon systems.

00:32:13He headed for the cockpit, then paused.

00:32:16Nami, thanks.

00:32:17For what?

00:32:18For not crushing my windpipe.

00:32:21Night's still young.

00:32:22He laughed and ran for the bridge, missing the way she watched him go,

00:32:27missing how her armor pulsed in rhythm with her heartbeat.

00:32:30The viewscreen showed impossible geometry.

00:32:34Space itself twisted, reality bending like hot glass.

00:32:38From the distortion, something emerged.

00:32:42What is that?

00:32:43Grix had gone beyond pale to translucent.

00:32:47Matt stared at the creature.

00:32:48If creature was even the right word.

00:32:51It existed in too many dimensions.

00:32:53Tentacles of living shadow reaching through subspace.

00:32:57Eyes that weren't eyes fixed on their tiny ship.

00:33:00Void kraken, he breathed.

00:33:03Haven't seen one since.

00:33:05Memory crashed over him like a wave.

00:33:08Five years ago.

00:33:09The Kepler incident.

00:33:11His squad pinned down.

00:33:13Reality shredding around them.

00:33:15Darius screaming as tentacles of living darkness phase through his armor.

00:33:20Matt emptying clip after clip into something that shouldn't exist.

00:33:24Fall back!

00:33:25His own voice.

00:33:26Younger.

00:33:27Desperate.

00:33:28Johnson.

00:33:29Martinez.

00:33:30Covering fire.

00:33:31Darius.

00:33:31Stay with me.

00:33:33But Darius wasn't moving right.

00:33:36The thing had done something to his mind.

00:33:38His nervous system.

00:33:40Matt threw him over one shoulder.

00:33:42Ran through corridors that kept changing shape.

00:33:45Made the hard choice.

00:33:47Triggered the station's self-destruct to contain the breach.

00:33:51Civilians died.

00:33:52Good soldiers died.

00:33:54But the rift closed.

00:33:56The court-martial.

00:33:57Darius in a medical chair.

00:33:59Drooling.

00:34:00Brain damage, they said.

00:34:01Might never recover.

00:34:03Matt taking full responsibility.

00:34:06Protecting his brother in arms.

00:34:08Accepting discharge.

00:34:09Disappearing.

00:34:11Not knowing Darius had been conscious the whole time.

00:34:14Planning.

00:34:15Hating.

00:34:16At Matt!

00:34:17Nami's voice snapped him back.

00:34:20She stood beside him.

00:34:21One hand on his shoulder.

00:34:22Concern flashed beneath her warrior's mask.

00:34:26I'm good.

00:34:28He shook off the memory and grabbed the controls.

00:34:30But we're about to not be.

00:34:33That thing's charging some kind of brace.

00:34:35The Void Kraken's attack phased through their shields like they weren't there.

00:34:41The ship screamed.

00:34:43Systems failing in cascade.

00:34:46Matt fought the controls as they tumbled through space.

00:34:49Hull breach in Section 3!

00:34:51Grix called.

00:34:52We're venting atmosphere.

00:34:54Seal it off!

00:34:56Matt threw them into a spiral, dodging tentacles of twisted space.

00:35:00Nami?

00:35:01Weapons?

00:35:02Nothing's working.

00:35:03Our systems can't target something that's only partially in our dimension.

00:35:08Another hit.

00:35:10Sparks exploded from the navigation console.

00:35:13Matt felt hot metal tear through his side, biting back a scream.

00:35:18Blood immediately soaked his shirt.

00:35:20You're hit!

00:35:22Nami started toward him.

00:35:23I'm fine!

00:35:24Just...

00:35:25The ship lurched.

00:35:27His vision grayed at the edges.

00:35:29Just need to...

00:35:30His hands slipped on the controls.

00:35:33Blood loss and shock conspired against him.

00:35:36The Kraken closed in, reality warping around its bulk.

00:35:41Move!

00:35:42Nami shoved him aside and took the controls.

00:35:45But she didn't know the ship, didn't have his instincts.

00:35:48They spiraled toward the creature's maw.

00:35:51The phase variance.

00:35:53Matt forced words through gritted teeth.

00:35:56It's attacks.

00:35:57Phase variance in the...

00:35:59The quantum field.

00:36:01Match the frequency and...

00:36:03I don't understand.

00:36:04He dragged himself upright, hands covering hers on the controls.

00:36:09Together.

00:36:09Follow my lead.

00:36:11Their hands moved in unison.

00:36:13She had the strength.

00:36:15He had the knowledge.

00:36:17Between them, they found a rhythm.

00:36:18The ship danced between dimensions, matching the Kraken's phase shifts.

00:36:24There.

00:36:24Matt pointed with a blood-slick hand.

00:36:27The eyes.

00:36:28When it fully materializes to attack, I see it.

00:36:32Nami triggered the weapons.

00:36:34Laser fire carved through space.

00:36:36The Kraken shrieked.

00:36:38A sound that existed in too many dimensions.

00:36:41It retreated into its rift, wounded but not dead.

00:36:45Space slowly unknotted itself.

00:36:48We did it, Grix whispered.

00:36:50We actually...

00:36:51Matt!

00:36:52He'd collapsed against Nami, blood pooling beneath him.

00:36:56She caught him as he fell, her armor automatically forming supports.

00:37:00No sleeping, she ordered.

00:37:03But her voice carried fear.

00:37:05You don't get to die on me, burger man.

00:37:08Not dying.

00:37:10His words slurred.

00:37:12Just resting my eyes.

00:37:15Darkness took him.

00:37:16The last thing he felt was her arms around him, surprisingly gentle.

00:37:21The last thing he heard was her voice, saying words in her native language that sounded like

00:37:27prayer, or maybe curse.

00:37:29With Nami, hard to tell the difference.

00:37:32He dreamed of Milwaukee.

00:37:34Winter morning.

00:37:35Fresh snow.

00:37:37Eight years old, watching his father clean his service rifle.

00:37:40Why do you fight, Dad?

00:37:43Sometimes you don't get a choice, kiddo.

00:37:45Sometimes the fight comes to you.

00:37:48His father's hands, careful and sure.

00:37:51But you always get to choose how you fight.

00:37:54With honor or without.

00:37:56To protect or to destroy.

00:37:59Scene shift.

00:38:00Academy graduation.

00:38:02Darius beside him, both in dress uniforms.

00:38:06Brothers, Darius said, gripping his shoulder.

00:38:08No matter what.

00:38:10No matter what, Matt agreed.

00:38:12Another shift.

00:38:13Tea between them, laughing at some joke.

00:38:16Beautiful tea with her midnight hair and infectious smile.

00:38:21Darius watching her with hungry eyes.

00:38:23Matt too naive to notice.

00:38:26The mission briefing.

00:38:27Kepler station.

00:38:28Routine patrol, they said.

00:38:31Tea kissing him goodbye.

00:38:32Darius watching from the doorway.

00:38:35Then fire.

00:38:36Screaming.

00:38:37Reality tearing like paper.

00:38:39Darius on the ground.

00:38:40Darius on the ground.

00:38:40Tentacles of living shadow burrowing into his spine.

00:38:45Matt.

00:38:46Darius.

00:38:47Reaching for him.

00:38:48Brother.

00:38:48Please.

00:38:49The choice.

00:38:50Save one man or save thousands.

00:38:53He made the choice.

00:38:55Darius's eyes as the blast doors sealed.

00:38:58Not unconscious.

00:38:59Fully aware.

00:39:01Hating.

00:39:01I'm sorry.

00:39:03Matt whispered to the dream.

00:39:05I'm so sorry.

00:39:06He woke to purple ceiling and golden eyes.

00:39:10Nami leaned over him, hands pressed to his bandaged side.

00:39:13Her armor had receded to almost nothing.

00:39:16Skin to skin contact maximizing some kind of healing field.

00:39:21Don't move.

00:39:22She ordered.

00:39:23You lost a lot of blood.

00:39:25Where?

00:39:25His throat felt like sandpaper.

00:39:28My quarters.

00:39:28The medical bay was damaged.

00:39:31She pulled back slightly, armor flowing to cover her again.

00:39:36You've been unconscious for six hours.

00:39:39Six.

00:39:40He tried to sit up.

00:39:42Pain convinced him otherwise.

00:39:44The kraken?

00:39:46Gone.

00:39:46For now.

00:39:48She studied him with those impossible eyes.

00:39:51You talk in your sleep.

00:39:53His blood chilled.

00:39:54Oh, Matt Harlow, serial number Alpha-7792, Lieutenant Commander, Special Operations Division.

00:40:03She tilted her head.

00:40:04The ghost of Helios.

00:40:06Never heard of him.

00:40:08The man who could shoot the wings off a fly at a thousand yards.

00:40:12Who completed 47 missions with zero casualties.

00:40:16Her voice softened.

00:40:18Who disappeared after Kepler Station burned.

00:40:20Fascinating guy.

00:40:22Probably very handsome.

00:40:24You saved thousands of lives.

00:40:26And lost the ones that mattered.

00:40:28The words escaped before he could stop them.

00:40:32Silence stretched between them.

00:40:34Finally, she said, Darius Kane survived Kepler.

00:40:39I know.

00:40:40He blames you.

00:40:41I know.

00:40:42You blame yourself more.

00:40:45He turned away.

00:40:46You don't know what you're talking about.

00:40:48I know about guilt.

00:40:50Her hand found his.

00:40:52Purple fingers interlacing with pink.

00:40:55About the weight of choices.

00:40:57About failing people who trusted you.

00:41:00He looked at their joined hands.

00:41:02Why are you helping me?

00:41:04You helped me first.

00:41:06Simple.

00:41:07Direct.

00:41:08Also, you make me laugh.

00:41:10My sparkling personality?

00:41:12Your terrible jokes.

00:41:14But she smiled, transforming her face.

00:41:16Tell me about tea.

00:41:18The name hit like a physical blow.

00:41:21How do you?

00:41:22You said her name.

00:41:23In your sleep.

00:41:25No jealousy in it.

00:41:26Just curiosity.

00:41:28Who was she?

00:41:29Someone I failed to protect.

00:41:31He pulled his hand away.

00:41:33Ancient history.

00:41:35History shapes us.

00:41:37She rose.

00:41:38Armor flowing back into its standard configuration.

00:41:42Rest.

00:41:42We reach salvage station nine in ten hours.

00:41:47Why there?

00:41:48Because Cain won't expect it.

00:41:50And because I have contacts who can help us reach Temperion.

00:41:54She paused at the door.

00:41:56Matt?

00:41:56Yeah?

00:41:58For trusting me with the truth.

00:42:00I didn't tell you anything.

00:42:03No.

00:42:03She agreed.

00:42:04You didn't have to.

00:42:06The door closed, leaving him alone with his ghosts.

00:42:09Outside, stars streaked past like accusing eyes.

00:42:13He touched the bandages on his side.

00:42:16Felt the neat efficiency of her field treatment.

00:42:19She'd saved his life.

00:42:21Brought him into her private space.

00:42:23Tended him with her own hands.

00:42:25The armor had let her.

00:42:27More than that, it had helped, receding to allow skin contact.

00:42:32That kind of symbiosis took absolute emotional harmony.

00:42:36She trusted him.

00:42:38Completely.

00:42:39Well, he told the empty room.

00:42:41That's going to be a problem.

00:42:44Salvage station nine clung to the corpse of a dead dreadnought like a metallic parasite.

00:42:50Part black market.

00:42:52Part refugee camp.

00:42:53All dangerous.

00:42:55The perfect place to disappear.

00:42:58Matt stood carefully, testing his side.

00:43:01Nami's treatment had accelerated healing, but movement still hurt.

00:43:05He found his shirt, ruined by blood and shrapnel.

00:43:10His reflection in the small mirror showed new scars joining old ones.

00:43:14Admiring yourself?

00:43:16Nami stood in the doorway with fresh clothes.

00:43:19These should fit.

00:43:21Thanks.

00:43:22He accepted the bundle.

00:43:24Basic spacer gear, anonymous and practical.

00:43:27Nice place you've got here.

00:43:29It's functional.

00:43:30But color touched her purple cheeks.

00:43:33Your scars.

00:43:33There are so many.

00:43:36Occupational hazard.

00:43:37He pulled on the new shirt, hiding the evidence.

00:43:41You ready for this?

00:43:42For salvage nine?

00:43:44I've dealt with worse.

00:43:46Have you dealt with it while every bounty hunter in three systems is looking for you?

00:43:51Her armor rippled.

00:43:52Good point.

00:43:53Hey.

00:43:54He stepped closer.

00:43:56We'll be fine.

00:43:57Just stay close.

00:43:58Let me do the talking and try not to kill anyone.

00:44:01What if they deserve it?

00:44:03Especially then.

00:44:04We're trying to be subtle.

00:44:06You?

00:44:07Subtle?

00:44:08She actually grinned.

00:44:09This should be interesting.

00:44:11They found Grix in the cockpit, all four hands dancing over controls.

00:44:18Docking in five minutes.

00:44:19Are you sure about this?

00:44:21No, Matt admitted.

00:44:23But it's better than floating in space waiting for another kraken.

00:44:27Or Kane's fleet, Nami added.

00:44:29He'll have everyone looking for us.

00:44:32Then we better not look like us.

00:44:35Matt opened a storage locker, pulling out various items.

00:44:38Grix, you're now an independent trader.

00:44:42Boring.

00:44:42Forgettable.

00:44:44Practice looking unimportant.

00:44:46I am unimportant.

00:44:48Perfect.

00:44:49You're a natural.

00:44:50He turned to Nami.

00:44:52You're going to be harder.

00:44:54Because I'm Zarian?

00:44:56Because you're gorgeous.

00:44:57The words slipped out.

00:44:59He covered quickly.

00:45:01I mean, distinctive, purple skin, gold eyes, that whole warrior princess vibe.

00:45:08You stand out.

00:45:10Her armor shimmered.

00:45:12Was that a compliment?

00:45:14Statement of fact.

00:45:15We need to ugly you up.

00:45:17He held out a maintenance coverall and magnetic boots.

00:45:21Dock worker.

00:45:22Keep your head down.

00:45:24Armor covered.

00:45:24Try to slouch.

00:45:26Warriors don't slouch.

00:45:28They do if they want to live.

00:45:31He found a cap.

00:45:33Tucked her violet hair underneath.

00:45:36There.

00:45:36Perfect.

00:45:38I look ridiculous.

00:45:40You look employed.

00:45:41Big difference.

00:45:43He adjusted his own appearance.

00:45:45Jacket collar up.

00:45:46Sunglasses despite the dim lighting.

00:45:49Anonymous spacer number 10,000.

00:45:52Remember, we're just here for supplies and information.

00:45:56In and out.

00:45:57Like Kepler Station?

00:45:58The words hung between them.

00:46:01She hadn't meant it cruelly.

00:46:02He could see that.

00:46:04Just tactless honesty.

00:46:06Yeah, he said quietly.

00:46:08Exactly like that.

00:46:09The docking clamps engaged with a grinding thunk.

00:46:13Through the viewport, salvage station 9 sprawled in all its corroded glory.

00:46:18A massive tumor of stolen tech and desperate dreams.

00:46:23Remember, Matt said, checking his pistol.

00:46:26We stick together.

00:46:27No heroics.

00:46:29That's rich.

00:46:30Coming from you.

00:46:32Nami adjusted her coveralls, looking profoundly uncomfortable in civilian clothes.

00:46:38They descended the ramp into organized chaos.

00:46:41The docking bay teemed with species from across the galaxy, all carefully not looking at each other.

00:46:48The air tasted of ozone and desperation.

00:46:52Checkpoint ahead, Grix whispered.

00:46:54Two Corellian enforcers flanked a security scanner, checking IDs with board efficiency.

00:47:00Matt guided them toward a side passage, but stopped cold.

00:47:05Wanted posters covered every surface.

00:47:08His face.

00:47:09Nami's.

00:47:10Even poor Grix featured prominently.

00:47:13The reward had jumped to a hundred thousand credits.

00:47:17Popular, aren't we?

00:47:18Nami muttered.

00:47:20Turn around.

00:47:21Slowly.

00:47:22The voice came from behind, young and nervous.

00:47:25I know who you are.

00:47:27Matt sighed.

00:47:28So much for subtle.

00:47:30The bounty hunter couldn't have been more than sixteen, holding an oversized blaster and shaking hands.

00:47:37The ghost of Helios.

00:47:38They said you were dead.

00:47:40Reports of my death were greatly exaggerated.

00:47:44Matt kept his voice calm, hands visible.

00:47:47What's your name, kid?

00:47:48Tam.

00:47:49And I'm not a kid.

00:47:50Okay, Tam.

00:47:51Here's what's going to happen.

00:47:53Nami moved.

00:47:54Her elbow caught Tam's wrist, sending the blaster spinning.

00:47:59Before the boy could scream, she had him in a sleeper hold.

00:48:03He went limp in seconds.

00:48:06So much for not killing anyone, Matt said.

00:48:09He's unconscious.

00:48:10Not dead.

00:48:11She lowered Tam gently to the ground.

00:48:13Though if you keep criticizing my technique, promises, promises.

00:48:20But Matt was already moving, dragging the boy into an alcove.

00:48:24The voice froze his blood, smooth, cultured, amused.

00:48:32He turned slowly.

00:48:34Darius Kane stood twenty feet away, flanked by a full strike team.

00:48:39Still handsome.

00:48:40Still perfect.

00:48:41Except for the cybernetic implants where his spine met his skull.

00:48:45Kepler's lasting gift.

00:48:48Hello, brother, Darius said.

00:48:50We're not brothers.

00:48:52Matt's hand inched toward his weapon.

00:48:54No.

00:48:55We bled together.

00:48:56Fought together.

00:48:58Loved the same woman.

00:49:00Darius's smile could have cut glass.

00:49:02Though only one of us had her.

00:49:05Don't.

00:49:05Tell me, did T scream my name when I killed her?

00:49:08I can't remember.

00:49:09The neural damage, you understand?

00:49:11Matt moved before thought.

00:49:13His pistol cleared leather, aimed between Darius's eyes.

00:49:18Every soldier tensed, weapons rising.

00:49:22There he is, Darius purred.

00:49:24The real Matt Harlow.

00:49:25Not the burger-flipping comedian.

00:49:27The killer.

00:49:28Let Nami and Grix go.

00:49:30This is between us.

00:49:32The Xarian?

00:49:33Oh, she's far too valuable.

00:49:36Do you know what her people will pay for their lost princess?

00:49:39Darius glanced at Nami.

00:49:41Or what certain collectors will pay for that bio-armor?

00:49:45Nami's suit rippled, responding to rage.

00:49:48Try it.

00:49:49I intend to.

00:49:50After I've finished with Matt.

00:49:52Darius stepped closer, ignoring the pistol aimed at his head.

00:49:57You took everything from me.

00:49:59My body.

00:49:59My career.

00:50:01T.

00:50:02Made her choice.

00:50:03Did she?

00:50:04Or did the great Matt Harlow simply take what he wanted, like always?

00:50:09Cybernetics whirred as Darius tilted his head.

00:50:13You were my hero, you know.

00:50:14My big brother in everything but blood.

00:50:17I would have died for you.

00:50:19You nearly did.

00:50:20No.

00:50:21I lived.

00:50:22Trapped in a broken body watching you play the martyr.

00:50:26His perfect composure cracked.

00:50:28Do you know what the Kraken's touch does to human neurons?

00:50:32It shows you every possible future.

00:50:35Every path not taken.

00:50:37I saw the life we should have had.

00:50:39Brothers until the end.

00:50:41That future died at Kepler.

00:50:44You killed it.

00:50:45Just like you killed those civilians.

00:50:48Darius raised his hand.

00:50:50Take them.

00:50:50The strike team moved with practice precision.

00:50:54Matt shot two before Nami exploded into action, her armor fully manifesting.

00:51:00She carved through soldiers like paper, beautiful and terrible.

00:51:04But there were too many.

00:51:06Stun battens found flesh.

00:51:09Nami went down swinging, armor flickering as unconsciousness took her.

00:51:14Grix didn't even get a chance to run.

00:51:16Matt killed three more before Darius himself moved.

00:51:21Cybernetically enhanced speed.

00:51:23Decades of rage.

00:51:25The combination proved unstoppable.

00:51:27A precise strike sent Matt's pistol flying.

00:51:31Another dropped him to his knees.

00:51:33Still too slow, brother.

00:51:35Darius gripped Matt's hair, forcing his head back.

00:51:38But don't worry.

00:51:40I'll take excellent care of your new friend.

00:51:43The armor responds to emotion, yes?

00:51:45I wonder what agonies will make it sing.

00:51:48Darius.

00:51:49Darius.

00:51:50Shh.

00:51:51A hypospray pressed against Matt's neck.

00:51:54Sleep now.

00:51:55When you wake, we'll have such fun.

00:51:57Just like old times.

00:51:59Darkness rushed in.

00:52:01Matt's last coherent thought was of Nami.

00:52:05Unconscious and vulnerable.

00:52:07He'd failed again.

00:52:08Protected no one.

00:52:10Saved no one.

00:52:12Just like Kepler.

00:52:13Just like T.

00:52:13He woke in chains.

00:52:15He woke in chains.

00:52:16The cell was elegant.

00:52:18Polished steel and soft lighting.

00:52:20Darius always did have expensive tastes.

00:52:24Through the transparent aluminum wall, Matt could see Nami suspended in some kind of energy field.

00:52:31Her armor writhed, trying to protect her from invisible torments.

00:52:35Fascinating technology, Darius said, entering Matt's field of view.

00:52:41The armor.

00:52:42It's actually alive, did you know?

00:52:45A symbiotic organism that bonds at the cellular level.

00:52:49Let her go.

00:52:50Eventually, after I've learned its secrets, he touched a control.

00:52:55Nami convulsed, armor constricting.

00:52:59The pain response is particularly interesting.

00:53:02The more she suffers, the tighter it binds.

00:53:05A rather poetic metaphor for love, don't you think?

00:53:09I'll kill you.

00:53:11Yes, that's the idea.

00:53:13Darius pulled up a chair, sitting with casual grace.

00:53:17You see, I've had five years to plan this moment.

00:53:21Five years of surgeries, therapies, rebuilding what Kepler destroyed.

00:53:26Do you want to know what kept me going?

00:53:29Matt said nothing.

00:53:30You did.

00:53:32The thought of this conversation.

00:53:34This moment of clarity between us.

00:53:36He leaned forward.

00:53:38I know about Milwaukee, Matt.

00:53:40About your father.

00:53:42Choose how you fight.

00:53:43Touching.

00:53:44Don't.

00:53:45I chose, brother.

00:53:47I chose to become the monster you thought I was.

00:53:51Darius stood, pacing.

00:53:52But here's the beautiful irony.

00:53:54I learned it from watching you.

00:53:56The great Matt Harlow who chose duty over brotherhood.

00:54:00Who chose strangers over family.

00:54:03Those strangers were innocent people.

00:54:05So was I.

00:54:07The mask finally shattered completely.

00:54:10I was innocent, Matt.

00:54:11Your brother in everything but blood and you sealed me in hell.

00:54:16Silence fell between them.

00:54:18Years of poison finally voiced.

00:54:21I'm sorry, Matt said quietly.

00:54:23I didn't know you were conscious.

00:54:25Didn't know what the kraken had done to you.

00:54:28I made a choice.

00:54:30The wrong choice.

00:54:31Maybe.

00:54:32But I'd make it again.

00:54:34Darius backhanded him, cybernetic strength splitting Matt's lip.

00:54:39Of course you would.

00:54:40Because you're the hero.

00:54:41The ghost of Helios.

00:54:43The man who can do no wrong.

00:54:46I'm just a man who makes burgers.

00:54:49No.

00:54:49Darius activated another control.

00:54:53Nami screamed.

00:54:54Armor crushing inward.

00:54:56You're the man who's going to watch everyone he cares about suffer.

00:55:00Again.

00:55:01Through the pain and rage, Matt focused on Nami.

00:55:05Her golden eyes found his through the energy field.

00:55:09In them, he saw not fear but determination.

00:55:13Trust.

00:55:13She mouthed a single word.

00:55:16Together.

00:55:17He understood.

00:55:19The armor responded to emotion, but not just hers.

00:55:22Their connection in the ship.

00:55:24The shared piloting.

00:55:26The healing touch.

00:55:27They'd formed a bond.

00:55:29Matt closed his eyes and reached out with more than thought.

00:55:33Remembered her hands on his.

00:55:35The way she laughed at his terrible jokes.

00:55:37How she'd saved him from the kraken.

00:55:40Risking everything.

00:55:41How she trusted him.

00:55:43Even knowing what he was.

00:55:45The armor responded.

00:55:46It began to glow, pulsing with bioluminescent fire.

00:55:50The energy field sparked.

00:55:52Overloading.

00:55:53Alarm screamed.

00:55:54Impossible.

00:55:55Darius breathed.

00:55:57Nami's eyes blazed gold.

00:55:59The armor exploded outward, shattering her prison.

00:56:02She landed in a crouch.

00:56:04Magnificent and terrifying.

00:56:06Hey, Purple.

00:56:07Matt grinned through bloody teeth.

00:56:09Nice timing.

00:56:11She smiled back.

00:56:12All predator grace.

00:56:14Let's finish this.

00:56:15Together.

00:56:17Nami's armor flowed like liquid death, carving through Darius's security team.

00:56:22Matt watched her move, poetry written in violence, while testing his chains.

00:56:28The manacles were high grade, designed for cybernetic strength.

00:56:32But they'd made one mistake.

00:56:34They'd left him his belt.

00:56:37Darius!

00:56:38Matt called over the sounds of combat.

00:56:40Still wearing that cologne?

00:56:42What is that?

00:56:43Desperation by Calvin Klein.

00:56:46His former brother spun, face twisted with rage.

00:56:49Jokes?

00:56:50Now?

00:56:52Best time for jokes.

00:56:54Matt's fingers found the hidden pick in his belt buckle.

00:56:57Years of muscle memory guided the movements.

00:57:00Helps with the trauma.

00:57:03Nami landed beside him, armor dripping with someone else's blood.

00:57:07Need a hand?

00:57:09Just keep them busy for...

00:57:10The lock clicked.

00:57:12Never mind.

00:57:13He rolled forward, scooping up a fallen guard's pistol.

00:57:17Three shots.

00:57:18Three targets.

00:57:19The old reflexes sang in his blood, terrible and familiar.

00:57:23Grix!

00:57:25Nami pointed to their pilot, cowering in a corner.

00:57:28Get him to the ship.

00:57:29What ship?

00:57:31Matt ducked a plasma bolt.

00:57:33We're on Darius's flagship.

00:57:35Then we steal it.

00:57:36She grinned, wild and beautiful.

00:57:39Unless you have a better plan?

00:57:41I never have a better plan.

00:57:43He grabbed Grix with his free hand.

00:57:46Bridge is this way.

00:57:47They carved a path through corridors that Matt knew by heart.

00:57:52Same layout as the Perseverance, his old command.

00:57:56Darius always had been sentimental.

00:57:59How many?

00:58:00Nami asked, checking corners with professional ease.

00:58:04Full compliments 300, but Darius won't risk collateral damage.

00:58:09He'll...

00:58:10Blast doors slammed shut ahead and behind.

00:58:13Emergency lighting bathed everything in red.

00:58:16Do that, Matt finished.

00:58:19Darius's voice echoed from hidden speakers.

00:58:22Did you really think it would be that easy?

00:58:24That you could waltz onto my ship and waltz off?

00:58:27I don't waltz, Matt called back.

00:58:30Two left feet.

00:58:31Ask anyone.

00:58:33This ends now, brother.

00:58:35Temperion is already in my control.

00:58:38The ethereal key will activate the weapon and the Federation will burn.

00:58:43Nami's armor bristled.

00:58:44Temperion is under siege.

00:58:47For the past six hours, your contacts there proved disappointing.

00:58:53Darius's laugh held no humor.

00:58:56But don't worry.

00:58:57You'll have an excellent view of the planet's destruction before you die.

00:59:01The walls opened.

00:59:03Not doors.

00:59:04The walls themselves peeled back like skin, revealing hidden chambers.

00:59:09Soldiers poured out, but these weren't standard mercenaries.

00:59:13Enhanced cybernetics.

00:59:15Military precision.

00:59:17Dead eyes.

00:59:18Revenants.

00:59:19Darius had made his own ghosts.

00:59:21Matt, Nami said quietly.

00:59:23There's too many...

00:59:24Yeah.

00:59:26He checked his stolen pistol.

00:59:28Half a clip.

00:59:29Got any of that warrior princess magic left?

00:59:33Some.

00:59:34You?

00:59:35I'm about tapped out on Burger Chef miracles.

00:59:38He met her golden gaze.

00:59:40Been nice knowing you, purple.

00:59:42Likewise, Burger Man.

00:59:43But she smiled.

00:59:45Together?

00:59:47Together.

00:59:48They moved as one.

00:59:49Matt's pistol spoke in measured beats while Nami's armor sang a symphony of destruction.

00:59:55Back to back, they carved a circle of death in the corridor.

00:59:59But the revenants kept coming, and ammunition didn't.

01:00:03A blade found Matt's shoulder.

01:00:05Another scored his ribs.

01:00:07He stumbled, vision graying.

01:00:09Nami caught him, armor forming a shield,

01:00:12but she was faltering, too.

01:00:14Too many enemies.

01:00:16Too much damage.

01:00:17I'm sorry, she whispered.

01:00:19I should have trusted you sooner.

01:00:21Should have...

01:00:22Save the deathbed confessions.

01:00:25He pressed his back against hers,

01:00:27giving her what strength he had left.

01:00:29We're not done yet.

01:00:31Matt, trust me.

01:00:33He dropped the empty pistol and pulled the ethereal key from his pocket.

01:00:38The crystal pulsed with cold fire,

01:00:40responding to his touch.

01:00:42To their touch,

01:00:44Nami's armor resonated with it,

01:00:46creating harmonics that made his teeth ache.

01:00:49Everyone stops.

01:00:50He held the key high.

01:00:52Or I break it.

01:00:54The revenants froze.

01:00:55Even through their conditioning,

01:00:57they knew the threat.

01:00:58The key couldn't be replicated.

01:01:01Without it,

01:01:01Darius's plan died.

01:01:04You're bluffing,

01:01:05Darius said,

01:01:06but uncertainty colored his voice.

01:01:09Am I?

01:01:10Matt's grip tightened.

01:01:12The crystal's song grew discordant.

01:01:15You know me, brother.

01:01:16Would I let you win?

01:01:18Silence stretched.

01:01:19Then the revenants stepped back,

01:01:22creating a path.

01:01:23The bridge,

01:01:24Darius commanded.

01:01:25All of you.

01:01:27They walked through corridors lined with weapons,

01:01:30Matt keeping the key visible and his grip threatening.

01:01:34Nami stayed pressed against him,

01:01:36armor coiled to strike.

01:01:38Grix whimpered,

01:01:39but followed.

01:01:40The bridge doors opened onto controlled chaos.

01:01:44Temperion filled the main view screen.

01:01:47A blue-green jewel wrapped in the fire of orbital bombardment.

01:01:51Darius stood at the command station,

01:01:53cybernetics gleaming.

01:01:55Welcome to the end,

01:01:56he said.

01:01:57Put the key in the activation matrix,

01:02:00and I might let your friends live.

01:02:02Counter-offer,

01:02:03Matt said.

01:02:04You surrender,

01:02:05and I won't demonstrate why they called me the ghost.

01:02:09You?

01:02:10You're nothing now.

01:02:10A washed-up soldier hiding behind a spatula.

01:02:15Maybe.

01:02:16Matt set the key carefully on a console,

01:02:19then shrugged off his stolen jacket.

01:02:21But you know what I learned making burgers?

01:02:25Enlighten me.

01:02:26Timing is everything.

01:02:28He moved.

01:02:29Not toward Darius.

01:02:31Toward the weapons locker every bridge maintained.

01:02:34His palm slapped the biometric scanner.

01:02:37Military override codes.

01:02:39Five years old, but still valid.

01:02:42Darius hadn't changed them.

01:02:44Sentimental.

01:02:45The locker opened.

01:02:46Matt's hands found familiar shapes.

01:02:49Not fancy.

01:02:50Not modern.

01:02:51Just his old gear, maintained with loving care.

01:02:55No!

01:02:56Darius lunged forward.

01:02:58Too late.

01:02:59Matt flowed into stance.

01:03:01Rifle rising.

01:03:02Five years of rust fell away like old paint.

01:03:05The ghost of Helios drew breath and exhaled death.

01:03:10Twelve revenants dropped before anyone could react.

01:03:13Precise shots.

01:03:14Disable.

01:03:15Not kill.

01:03:16Cybernetics sparked and failed.

01:03:19Men screamed and fell.

01:03:21Alive but neutralized.

01:03:23Your turn.

01:03:24Your turn.

01:03:25Matt said.

01:03:26Rifle centered on Darius's forehead.

01:03:28You won't shoot me.

01:03:30But Darius raised his hands.

01:03:32You're too noble.

01:03:33Too good.

01:03:34St.

01:03:35Matthew.

01:03:35Patron of second chances.

01:03:37Maybe.

01:03:39The rifle never wavered.

01:03:41Nami.

01:03:41The key.

01:03:42She retrieved the crystal, armor flickering with exhaustion and something else.

01:03:47Pride?

01:03:48Matt.

01:03:49The planet.

01:03:50I know.

01:03:52He risked a glance at the screen.

01:03:54Temperion burned.

01:03:56Darius.

01:03:56Call off the attack.

01:03:58No.

01:03:59Then I'll...

01:04:00What?

01:04:00Kill me?

01:04:01Darius spread his arms.

01:04:03Go ahead.

01:04:04Complete the circle.

01:04:06Prove you're the same man who left me to burn.

01:04:09I didn't...

01:04:11You did.

01:04:12Cybernetics whined as Darius trembled with rage.

01:04:16You made a choice.

01:04:17The many over the few.

01:04:19The mission over your brother.

01:04:21I'm sorry.

01:04:23The words hung between them.

01:04:25Simple.

01:04:25Honest.

01:04:26Inadequate.

01:04:28Sorry?

01:04:29Darius laughed, high and broken.

01:04:32Sorry doesn't give me back my body.

01:04:34Sorry doesn't bring back tea.

01:04:36Sorry doesn't...

01:04:37I know.

01:04:39Matt lowered the rifle.

01:04:40I know it doesn't fix anything.

01:04:42But I am sorry, Darius.

01:04:44For all of it.

01:04:45Don't.

01:04:46Darius backed away.

01:04:48Don't you dare forgive me.

01:04:50Don't you dare be understanding.

01:04:52Be the monster I need you to be.

01:04:55I can't.

01:04:56Matt set the rifle aside.

01:04:58I won't.

01:04:59Then I'll make you.

01:05:01Darius drew a hidden pistol.

01:05:03Not aimed at Matt, but at Nami.

01:05:06Time slowed.

01:05:07Matt saw the angle.

01:05:09The inevitability.

01:05:10Saw Nami's armor responding too slowly.

01:05:13Exhausted from battle.

01:05:15Saw the choice.

01:05:16He moved without thinking.

01:05:18The rifle he'd set aside spun up.

01:05:21Caught.

01:05:21Fired.

01:05:22A single shot.

01:05:24Perfect and terrible.

01:05:26Darius staggered.

01:05:27The pistol fell from nerveless fingers.

01:05:30He looked down at the spreading red across his chest.

01:05:33Then up at Matt.

01:05:34There, he whispered.

01:05:36There's my brother.

01:05:39Darius.

01:05:40The real Matt Harlow.

01:05:42The one who makes the hard choices.

01:05:44Blood bubbled on his lips.

01:05:47No.

01:05:48We can fix this.

01:05:49Medical bay.

01:05:50Stop.

01:05:51Darius gripped Matt's shirt with failing strength.

01:05:55Let me.

01:05:56Let me die as your brother.

01:05:58Not your enemy.

01:06:00You were never my enemy.

01:06:02Liar.

01:06:03But Darius smiled.

01:06:05Beautiful liar.

01:06:07Take care of.

01:06:08Of Temperion.

01:06:09My daughter's down there.

01:06:11Mira.

01:06:12She's.

01:06:13She's six.

01:06:14T's eyes.

01:06:16The universe tilted.

01:06:18You have a daughter?

01:06:18Why do you think, think I wanted the weapon?

01:06:22Federation took her.

01:06:24Leverage.

01:06:25His grip loosened.

01:06:27Save her, Matt.

01:06:28Be the hero.

01:06:29I couldn't.

01:06:31Darius.

01:06:32Love you, brother.

01:06:34Always did.

01:06:35Even, even when I hated you.

01:06:39His eyes lost focus.

01:06:41The cybernetics powered down with a dying whine.

01:06:44Matt caught him as he fell,

01:06:46cradling the man who'd been his brother in all but blood.

01:06:50I'm sorry, he whispered to unhearing ears.

01:06:54I'm so sorry.

01:06:55Nami's hand found his shoulder.

01:06:57Matt.

01:06:58The planet.

01:07:00He looked up through tears.

01:07:02Temperion still burned.

01:07:04But the bombardment had stopped.

01:07:06Darius's death had cut the fleet's coordination.

01:07:09Ships milled in confusion.

01:07:11Can you fly this thing?

01:07:13He asked Grix.

01:07:14It's, it's huge.

01:07:16That's a yes or no question.

01:07:19Maybe.

01:07:19Good enough.

01:07:21Matt stood, still holding Darius.

01:07:23Nami.

01:07:24We need to get to the surface.

01:07:26The weapon.

01:07:27I know.

01:07:28She held up the key.

01:07:30But Matt, if the legends are true,

01:07:32activating it requires a life force.

01:07:35Yeah.

01:07:37He laid Darius gently on the deck.

01:07:39I've got some experience with impossible choices.

01:07:42That's not what I meant.

01:07:45Her armor pulsed with emotion.

01:07:47We'll find another way.

01:07:49There is no other way.

01:07:50You know that.

01:07:52He moved to the helm, began plotting descent vectors.

01:07:55But hey, dying to save a planet?

01:07:57Could be worse.

01:07:59Least it's not a Tuesday.

01:08:00She grabbed his arm.

01:08:02Stop joking.

01:08:03If I stop joking, I'll start screaming.

01:08:07He met her gaze.

01:08:08Get everyone to the escape pods.

01:08:10When I activate the weapon, no.

01:08:13Nami.

01:08:14I said no.

01:08:16Her armor flowed over his hand, binding them together.

01:08:19Together, remember?

01:08:21That's what you said.

01:08:22Together.

01:08:23This isn't a partnership thing.

01:08:26This is a dying thing.

01:08:28Then we die together.

01:08:30Simple.

01:08:31Final.

01:08:33The armor's already bonded to you.

01:08:35Our connection.

01:08:36It might be enough.

01:08:38Shared life force.

01:08:40Might?

01:08:41Better odds than you going alone.

01:08:43She squeezed his hand.

01:08:45Besides, who'll make terrible jokes at my funeral if you're dead?

01:08:49Despite everything, he laughed.

01:08:51Valid point.

01:08:53Sir?

01:08:54Grix called from navigation.

01:08:56Entering atmosphere.

01:08:57Where?

01:08:57The ancient temple.

01:08:59Northern continent.

01:09:01Matt pulled up tactical displays.

01:09:04And Grix?

01:09:05Send a wide-band transmission.

01:09:07Tell the Federation fleet that Darius Cain is dead and they can either help evacuate civilians

01:09:13or answer to me.

01:09:14You think they'll listen?

01:09:16They'll listen.

01:09:18He glanced at his reflection in the dark screen.

01:09:21Blood, tears, and terrible purpose.

01:09:24Everyone listens to ghosts.

01:09:27The temple rose from Temperion's northern wastes like a god's broken fist.

01:09:33Older than human spaceflight.

01:09:35Older than memory.

01:09:37The fleet had landed around it, turning ancient stone into a modern firebase.

01:09:43Matt set the flagship down hard, crushing defensive emplacements.

01:09:47Through the viewports, he saw Federation troops scrambling.

01:09:51Some fled.

01:09:52Others laid down arms.

01:09:55A few, the smart ones, started pulling civilians from the rubble.

01:09:59The weapons below, Nami said, studying her armor's resonance with the key.

01:10:06Deep, where the planet's life force runs strongest.

01:10:10Of course it is.

01:10:11Can't ever be easy.

01:10:13Matt checked his rifle one last time.

01:10:16Ready?

01:10:17No.

01:10:17But she smiled.

01:10:19Let's go save the universe.

01:10:21They descended through chaos.

01:10:23A few soldiers tried to stop them.

01:10:26Matt disabled them with clinical precision while Nami carved through defensive positions.

01:10:31Neither spoke.

01:10:33What was left to say?

01:10:35The temple's depths yawned before them.

01:10:38Stairs carved from living rock descending into darkness.

01:10:41The key pulsed brighter with each step, its song growing stronger.

01:10:47Nami's armor responded, creating harmonics that made the walls ring.

01:10:51You feel that?

01:10:52She asked.

01:10:53Yeah.

01:10:55Power hummed in the air, ancient and waiting.

01:10:58Like standing next to a star.

01:11:01The weapon's not just a device.

01:11:02It's alive.

01:11:03Like my armor, but...

01:11:05More.

01:11:06Great.

01:11:07Love it when the doomsday weapons have personalities.

01:11:10They reached the bottom.

01:11:13A vast chamber opened before them, walls covered in script that predated any known language.

01:11:20At the center, a raised dais held a crystalline matrix, beautiful and terrible, pulsing with

01:11:27void-dark energy.

01:11:29That's it, Nami breathed.

01:11:31The sunderer, capable of unmaking entire fleets.

01:11:35Or healing entire worlds, Matt read from a translation tablet someone had left behind, depending on

01:11:43the wielder's intent, destruction or creation, death or life.

01:11:48Poetic.

01:11:49Yeah.

01:11:49The ancients loved their duality.

01:11:52He approached the dais.

01:11:53So we just...

01:11:54Plug in the key and hope.

01:11:57Not hope.

01:11:58Choose.

01:11:59She joined him, hand-finding his.

01:12:01The weapon reads intent.

01:12:03If we're divided, if we doubt, it'll default to destruction.

01:12:07I get it.

01:12:08He pulled out the key.

01:12:09So what do we choose?

01:12:11Life.

01:12:12She said without hesitation.

01:12:14Protection.

01:12:15Healing what Darius broke.

01:12:17Together.

01:12:18Together.

01:12:19They placed the key in the matrix.

01:12:22Reality screamed.

01:12:24Power flooded through them.

01:12:25Not gentle.

01:12:26Not kind.

01:12:28Raw creation force that mortal bodies weren't meant to channel.

01:12:32Matt felt his bones creak, cells burning.

01:12:35Beside him, Nami gasped as her armor went wild, trying to protect her from energies beyond

01:12:41protection.

01:12:42Hold on.

01:12:43He gripped her hand tighter.

01:12:45Focus on...

01:12:46Images flooded his mind.

01:12:48Every life on Temperion.

01:12:50Every soul threatened by Darius's rage.

01:12:53A little girl with T's eyes, crying for parents who might never come.

01:12:58I see her, Nami whispered.

01:13:01I see all of them.

01:13:03Then help them.

01:13:04Help me help them.

01:13:05Their connection deepened.

01:13:07Not just hands touching, but souls merging.

01:13:11He felt her strength, her compassion, her warrior's heart that hid such tenderness.

01:13:16She felt his guilt, his purpose, his need to save everyone because he'd failed to save

01:13:22the ones who mattered.

01:13:24The weapon responded.

01:13:26Light erupted from the matrix.

01:13:28Not the harsh glare of destruction, but something softer.

01:13:32It spread in waves.

01:13:34Each pulse-carrying intent made manifest.

01:13:37Healing.

01:13:38Protection.

01:13:39Life.

01:13:39Above, the damaged city began to regenerate.

01:13:43Wounds closed.

01:13:45Radiation dissipated.

01:13:47The bombardment scars faded like bad dreams.

01:13:50But the cost...

01:13:52Matt felt himself fading, life force draining into the weapon's hungry maw.

01:13:57Nami swayed beside him, armor flickering as it tried to compensate.

01:14:03Too much, she gasped.

01:14:05It's taking too much.

01:14:07I know.

01:14:07He turned to face her, free hand cupping her cheek.

01:14:11Hey, look at me.

01:14:13Golden eyes found his.

01:14:16Beautiful.

01:14:17Terrified.

01:14:18Determined.

01:14:19Worth it?

01:14:19He asked.

01:14:21Worth it.

01:14:21She leaned into his touch.

01:14:23But I had plans, you know.

01:14:25Restaurants to review.

01:14:26Burgers to mock.

01:14:28Rain check?

01:14:29You and your rain checks.

01:14:31But she smiled.

01:14:32If we survive this, I'm holding you to...

01:14:34The matrix pulsed.

01:14:37New harmonics sang through the chamber.

01:14:40The weapon had found what it sought.

01:14:42Not their life force, but their connection.

01:14:45The bond forged in battle and banter, strong enough to channel power without breaking.

01:14:51It's stabilizing, Matt breathed.

01:14:53We're actually...

01:14:54Naturally, Nami kissed him.

01:14:56Not gentle.

01:14:57Not careful.

01:14:59A warrior's kiss.

01:15:00Fierce and claiming.

01:15:02Her armor flowed around them both, creating a cocoon of living metal and shared breath.

01:15:08The weapon's song rose to crescendo, power flowing through their joined forms and back

01:15:14into itself.

01:15:15A perfect circuit.

01:15:16The matrix went dark.

01:15:18The key crumbled to dust.

01:15:21The ancient weapon, its purpose finally fulfilled, began to power down for the last time.

01:15:27They broke apart, gasping.

01:15:30So, Matt said when he could speak.

01:15:32That happened.

01:15:34Your timing needs work.

01:15:36But she grinned, wild and free.

01:15:38Too much tongue.

01:15:40Excuse me.

01:15:41That was perfectly calibrated tongue deployment.

01:15:44I'll have you know...

01:15:46She kissed him again, shutting him up.

01:15:49This time, gentle, exploring.

01:15:52Her armor purred between them, content and whole.

01:15:55Better, she decided.

01:15:57Still needs practice.

01:15:59I'm available for lessons.

01:16:01Good.

01:16:02We'll start with...

01:16:03She froze.

01:16:04Do you hear that?

01:16:06Silence.

01:16:07The weapon's hum had died completely.

01:16:09But from above, distant but growing.

01:16:13Cheering.

01:16:14I think, Matt said slowly.

01:16:17We just saved the planet.

01:16:19We?

01:16:20She poked his chest.

01:16:21I did all the work.

01:16:22You just stood there looking pretty.

01:16:25It's a burden, being this handsome.

01:16:27They helped each other stand, exhausted but alive.

01:16:31More than alive, the weapon's power had left traces, binding them in ways neither fully

01:16:37understood.

01:16:37When Nami's hand found his, he felt her heartbeat like an echo of his own.

01:16:44Come on, she said.

01:16:45Let's go find that little girl.

01:16:48Mira.

01:16:49Darius's daughter.

01:16:51Our daughter now, if she'll have us.

01:16:53Matter of fact.

01:16:54Decided.

01:16:56Can't leave family behind.

01:16:58Nami.

01:16:59What?

01:16:59You planning to walk away from a six-year-old orphan?

01:17:02The Matt Harlow I know would marry me.

01:17:05The words hung between them.

01:17:08He hadn't meant to say them.

01:17:09They just emerged.

01:17:12What?

01:17:13Marry me.

01:17:14Make terrible life choices together.

01:17:16Raise orphans and make burgers and save the occasional planet.

01:17:20He squeezed her hand.

01:17:21I mean, we're already bonded at the molecular level.

01:17:25Might as well make it official.

01:17:27That's your proposal?

01:17:28Might as well?

01:17:30Would you prefer poetry?

01:17:31I can do poetry.

01:17:32Roses are red.

01:17:34Violets are blue.

01:17:35Stop.

01:17:36But she was laughing.

01:17:37Yes.

01:17:38Yes?

01:17:39Yes.

01:17:40You idiot.

01:17:41She pulled him close.

01:17:42But I'm keeping my name.

01:17:44Deal.

01:17:45Nami and Matt's Burger Paradise doesn't have the same ring anyway.

01:17:49They climbed toward sunlight and celebration, toward a future neither had dared imagine.

01:17:56Behind them, the ancient weapon finally fell silent.

01:18:00Its long vigil ended.

01:18:02Epilogue.

01:18:03Five years later.

01:18:05Order up.

01:18:07Matt slid three plates across the counter, dodging the small hand that tried to snatch a fry.

01:18:13Miracaine Harlow, what have we said about stealing?

01:18:16It's not stealing if I'm quality testing.

01:18:19The eleven-year-old grinned with her mother's smile and her father's cunning.

01:18:24Someone has to make sure you're not poisoning the customers.

01:18:28She has a point, Nami called from the register.

01:18:32Two toddlers clung to her legs, purple-skinned and golden-eyed, babbling in a mixture of English

01:18:38and Zarian.

01:18:39Your cooking's been suspect lately.

01:18:41Suspect?

01:18:43Woman, I'll have you know my burgers were rated adequately edible by the Helio Station food guide.

01:18:50That was my review.

01:18:51I know.

01:18:52Still bitter about that, by the way.

01:18:54The lunch rush hit full force.

01:18:57Matt worked the grill with practiced ease while Nami handled customers with surprising grace.

01:19:02Their armor, for she'd insisted he keep wearing a piece, bonded as they were, helped with the heavy lifting.

01:19:10The twins, Kai and Luna, helped by reorganizing the napkin dispensers into abstract art.

01:19:17Uncle Grix, Mira spotted the Vendorian entering.

01:19:21Did you bring it?

01:19:23Keep your voice down.

01:19:25Grix looked around nervously, then produced a small hollow projector.

01:19:30Your mother will kill me if she finds out.

01:19:33Finds out what?

01:19:34Nami appeared with predatory timing.

01:19:37Nothing.

01:19:38Mira tried to hide the device.

01:19:40Uh-huh.

01:19:42Nami held out her hand.

01:19:44Fork it over.

01:19:45Defeated, Mira surrendered the projector.

01:19:47Nami activated it, expecting contraband games or inappropriate videos.

01:19:53Instead, Darius Kane's face appeared.

01:19:56Older, scarred, but unmistakably him.

01:19:59Hello, Matt.

01:20:00Nami.

01:20:01If you're seeing this, then Mira's reached the age where she starts asking difficult questions.

01:20:07The recording smiled sadly.

01:20:09I'm sorry for...

01:20:11everything.

01:20:12But not for her.

01:20:13Never for her.

01:20:15Take care of my daughter.

01:20:16Love her as I couldn't.

01:20:18And Matt?

01:20:20For giving me a brother's death.

01:20:21For giving me peace.

01:20:23The image shifted.

01:20:25There's something else.

01:20:27The weapon we activated wasn't unique.

01:20:29There are others, scattered across dead worlds.

01:20:33Someone's been collecting them.

01:20:35Someone with resources and patience and a plan I couldn't uncover.

01:20:38Be careful.

01:20:39Be ready.

01:20:40The ghost might need to walk again.

01:20:43And Nami?

01:20:44That armor of yours.

01:20:46It's not what you think.

01:20:48Ask your grandmother about the Sunderer Wars.

01:20:51Ask her why your people really went into isolation.

01:20:54The recording fizzled out.

01:20:57Silence filled the restaurant.

01:20:59Even the twins had stopped babbling.

01:21:01Well, Matt said finally.

01:21:03That's ominous.

01:21:05Daddy?

01:21:06Mira's voice was small.

01:21:08Was that...

01:21:08Your biological father, yes.

01:21:11Nami knelt beside her.

01:21:13Complicated man.

01:21:14Made bad choices.

01:21:16But he loved you.

01:21:17Do you love me?

01:21:19More than stars love space.

01:21:21Matt joined them, pulling all three kids into a hug.

01:21:25You're stuck with us, kiddo.

01:21:27Good.

01:21:28Mira smiled through tears.

01:21:31Because someone needs to teach Kai and Luna proper fry-stealing technique.

01:21:35That's my girl.

01:21:38Later, after the restaurant closed and the kids were asleep, Matt and Nami stood on their

01:21:44small balcony.

01:21:46Helio Station sprawled around them, alive with light and possibility.

01:21:50The armor hung on its stand, occasionally pulsing in response to their emotions.

01:21:55So, Nami said, adventure calls again.

01:22:00Seems like...

01:22:01He wrapped his arms around her from behind.

01:22:04Scared?

01:22:06Terrified.

01:22:07She leaned into him.

01:22:08You?

01:22:09Nope.

01:22:10I've got secret weapons.

01:22:12Oh?

01:22:12A badass warrior wife.

01:22:15Three incredible kids.

01:22:16The best burger recipe in the sector.

01:22:19He kissed her neck.

01:22:20And I finally perfected my joke timing.

01:22:23She laughed, rich and warm.

01:22:26That's debatable.

01:22:28Woman, you wound me.

01:22:31Someone has to keep you humble.

01:22:33She turned in his arms.

01:22:35Think we can do it?

01:22:36Save the universe and raise three kids and run a restaurant?

01:22:40Together?

01:22:41Together.

01:22:43Then yeah.

01:22:44He kissed her, soft and sure.

01:22:47We've got this.

01:22:48Above them, stars wheeled in ancient patterns.

01:22:51Somewhere among them, threats gathered and mysteries waited.

01:22:56The sunderer wars.

01:22:58Lost weapons.

01:22:59Questions without answers.

01:23:01But tonight, none of that mattered.

01:23:03Tonight, they had each other.

01:23:05Family.

01:23:06Purpose.

01:23:07Love.

01:23:08The armor pulsed once, gentle as a heartbeat, then went still.

01:23:13Ready for tomorrow's adventures.

01:23:15The end.

01:23:16The end.

01:23:17The end.

01:23:18The end.

01:23:19The end.

01:23:20The end.

01:23:21The end.

01:23:22The end.

01:23:23The end.

01:23:24The end.

01:23:25The end.

01:23:26The end.

01:23:27The end.

01:23:28The end.

01:23:29The end.

01:23:30The end.

They Tried to Tear the Suit Off—It Chose Her Instead | HFY

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