Chapter 44

The instant the Aquila touched down, Selene sprang into action. They didn't have a second to lose. Lucas Raine would be hot on their heels.

"Stay alert," she warned the others. "We can't afford to slip up."

Dante powered down the engines while Kade reached for his blaster, wincing as his injured shoulder complained. Wren smoothed her jacket, peering out at the streets beyond the ship.

"This place is worse than I remember," she said.

Nebari Prime was a lawless city. The streets were filled with criminals, bounty hunters, and smugglers. Neon lights danced overhead, sending shrouded shadows down upon the wetted pavement. It smelled of oil and metal, of smoke. 

"We gotta go," she said. "Wren, lead the way." 

He nodded and escorted them through a bustling marketplace full of people who yelled, trades whispered between allies, and the clatter of weapons changing ownership in shadowed alleys.

Xara kept her hand on her blaster. “One wrong move, and we’ll be surrounded.”

Selene knew she was right. They were walking through dangerous territory.

A Dangerous Offer

Wren led them to a hidden doorway between two buildings. She knocked twice, paused, then knocked three more times.

The door slid open, revealing a large man with cybernetic arms. His glowing red eyes flicked over the group.

"Wren," he said in that deep voice. "Didn't think I'd see you again."

"Good to see you too, Voss," Wren said. "We need a favor."

Voss crossed his arms. "Favors cost money."

Selene stepped forward. "We're being hunted. We need a place to hide."

Voss smirked. "Then you're in the wrong city."

Selene pulled out a small data chip. "This has Syndicate codes. Sell them, and you'll be set for months."

Voss lifted an eyebrow. "Tempting." He looked over to the group. "Alright. You can stay a couple of hours."

Selene blew out a sigh of relief.

Lucas Arrives

Inside the hideout, the crew tried to catch their breath. Kade was leaned against the wall, dressing and redressing his wound. Xara paced beside the door, her eyes as sharp as razor wire.

Selene glanced at the monitor that displayed the docking bay. Then her stomach plummeted.

Lucas Raine had arrived.

She watched him step off his ship, his dark armor gleaming beneath the lights. His soldiers fanned out, scanning the surrounding area.

"They're looking for us," Wren whispered.

Selene clenched her fists. "We need to get out of here."

Voss glanced at the screen. "I have a tunnel that leads outside the city. It's dangerous, but it's your best shot."

Selene didn't waste time. "Show us the way."

The Escape

Voss led them to a passage beneath the floor, hidden behind a panel that was cunningly cut to blend into the surrounding wood. The air was thick-dark, rust-and-decay scented.

"This connects through to an old transport hub," he said. "You can steal a ship from there."

Dante flashed a grin. "Now you're talking my language."

They moved swiftly, their footsteps loud in the confined space. Overhead, they could hear the Syndicate searching.

"We gotta hurry," Kade said.

As they reached the end of the tunnel, a sudden explosion shook the ground.

“They found us!” Xara shouted.

Blaster fire erupted as Syndicate soldiers stormed the tunnel entrance.

Selene grabbed her weapon. “Go! I’ll cover you!”

The crew sprinted ahead while Selene and Kade fired back. The tunnel was too tight for a real fight.

“Selene!” Dante shouted. “We have a way out!”

Selene fired one last shot before running.

They burst into an abandoned transport hub. Old ships sat unused, covered in dust.

"That one!" Wren pointed to a small, sleek fighter.

They ran toward it, but then—

Lucas stepped into their path.

"You really thought you could escape?"

Selene raised her gun. "Move."

Lucas laughed. "Give me the drive, and I'll let you live."

Selene's eyes burned with anger. "I'd rather die."

Lucas lunged forward.

A Desperate Fight

She blocked his attack, but Lucas was strong. He knocked her weapon away and grabbed her wrist.

Dante fired at him, but Lucas dodged and planted a kick that sent him flying backward.

Xara and Wren were firing at the Syndicate soldiers, keeping them at bay.

Kade, injured but far from dead, tackled Lucas and drove him into a metal crate.

"Go!" Kade shouted. "Get to the ship!"

Selene hesitated, but Dante grabbed her arm. "We have to move!

Up the ramp of the ship they ran. Wren powered it up while Xara fired at Lucas, keeping him pinned.

The ship roared to life.

Lucas struggled to his feet, his eyes locked on Selene.

"This isn't over," he promised.

Selene met his gaze. "It never is."

And with a final burst of the engines, they launched into the sky, leaving Nebari Prime behind.

But deep in her heart, Selene knew Lucas would not let things go.

Far from over; this fight was.