Sins of Aether: Insula

## Chapter 1

The walls of the darkened bay facility moaned, accompanied by the hint of chains swinging, and the breath of air flowing through the grated flooring. Faint outlines of liftpads and tools gleamed against a soft glow of blue enimating from a corner. The source came from a display panel on the upper platform, showcasing a fluster of readouts.

Aloe Muri sat before it, head propped on her hand. She fought a losing battle to stay awake as her eyes trained upon the screen. The mundane rate of the flashing numbers forced her to release the 1000th yawn of the early morning.

"You just hit 1200m, Lenio," she managed through yet another lengthy yawn. "You got about 300m to go and you'll hit the sweet spot."

"Roger Corporal," he replied. His voice held a hint of static relayed through the comms. "You still with me up there?"

"Barely." Her eyes shut but only for a split second. The allure of sleep was strong.

"Why'd you relieve Ari, then? Sounds like you could really use the sleep."

"You know how it is: we're short-staffed. Ari's our main syn-celler. Can't afford to overwork him."

"You included. You got enough on your plate as is. None of us want to see you overworked either."

She coughed out a week laugh. "Yeah? Well, that kind of comes with the promotion description."

"True but I'm sure even the Chief gets his share of shut-eye. You have to be fully aware. You can't do that half asleep."

"Mmm I suppose your right."

He chuckled. "I know I am."

She paused for a minute before saying her next words.

"Tell me, and be honest, you think the Chief was wrong in his choice? You think someone else should've carried the title?"

He was silent on his end. She waited patiently. Was he hesitant in his answer or too focused on his task at hand?

"No," he finally said firmly. "You earned it. Don't think anyone else would fit the role. And if you're worried about how everyone would feel just know that *none* of us think any different of ya. You're not the type to let the promotion go to your head. And you don't have to prove anything to us by killing yourself over it."

She smiled.

"I'd get Lester or Kant to cover down," he continued, "Your the best damn Corporal I'd ever dealt with. Last one, the Chief personally kicked his ass off the ship. Left him on a old world during a restock. Position's been vacant until now. So, trust me when I say you'd have to *really* try hard to piss us off."

"Thanks Lenio. I'll keep that in mind for next time."

She took a moment to focus back in on the screen.

"You just hit the honeypot."

"Roger," he replied. "Initiating the extraction process."

She noted a notification on the screen to confirm it.

"So," Aloe started, deciding to shift topics, "let's talk about Dr. Qim."

"Wha--" he said.

Her smile curled up further.

"There's nothing to talk about," he assured.

She shook her head. It was clear in his voice.

"Really, huh? You know, Lenio, everyone on this ship can see clear as day you have a thing for her."

"Corporal, I... That's not..." he struggled to find his words.

Without even seeing him she could tell he was blushing. She chuckled. He was like a young boy dealing with his first crush. "Let's make a deal, I'll lay off the overtime, but in exchange, you need to ask Qim out. Fair?"

He was silent.

"Or," she continued, "I could just tell her myself."

"Don't!" he shot quickly. After a few seconds, he released a deep sigh. "Fine. I'll ask her... for lunch."

"Today or tomorrow," she added. "Which ever day you feel up to, but it has to be one or the other, and no later."

"Fine..."

She smiled devious.

The moment was interrupted by an ear-piercing alarm. Immediately, the bay flooded with flashing red lights.

"Corporal?" Lenio asked. "What's that noise?"

"Don't know. Standby."

Her fingers danced across the screen. A small image projected the ship with a warning label. The system was relaying the approach of something towards them. What ever it was, it moved at an incredible rate. She immediately prompted her relayer on her wrist.

"Chief?!" she spoke.

"I'm tracking it, Corporal," he said on the other end.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Confirming now."

She could hear him moving around and typing data. Finally she heard him curse.

"System's picked up a massive electromagnetic storm," Ven stated. "It's moving rapidly towards the ship."

"Shit! What's the ETA?"

"Ten minutes. Maybe less. Where's that pod?"

"Still on the surface, Sir."

"Vexus! Pull his ass up, immediately!"

"On it!" Aloe said, pulling the emergency handle without hesitation. "Lenio, brace yourself! I'm yanking you up!"

"What? I'm not done yet!" he replied.

"Chief's orders! We got a storm inbound. Need you aboard before it hits!"

Yellow lights kicked on in the bay to accompany the red flashing ones for the emergency extract.

"Corporal," Ven said, "you're quiet, keep me posted."

"Drill pod's 30,000 km from the ship!"

Aloe eyed the screen, watching the pod's image approach.

"Where did it come from?" Aloe asked.

"Not sure," the Chief replied, "but you got less than five minutes to haul Lenio's ass up and get the hell outta there!"

"20,000 km, Chief. Lenio, how are you holding up?!"

He grunted over the comms. "Turbulence is a little rough but I'm hanging in there, Corporal. What's the status of that storm?"

"Don't worry about it. I'm gonna get you home. Just hold on!"

Her stomach was twisting into insatiable knot, eyes peeled on the screen. The pod was being reeled in by the binding wire at 7.8 km per second, and yet, it felt like it was taking forever.

"Corporal, get your suit on ASAP. The radiation from that storm is off the charts. That bay is a damn conduit. Be ready to grab Lenio."

Luckily, she already had her overalls on. She bolted from the small control room to grab her suit. They were located in containment tubes on the walls.

"Insula," Aloe yelled, "call out the drill pod's distance to the ship in conjunction with the approaching storm!"

"*Acknowledged*," the voicer spoke out loud. "*Drill pod is 9376 km away. Storm's closing distance is three minutes, twenty-eight seconds.*"

Aloe's heart raced as she tore the suit from the wall.

"*Drillpod: 7220 km. Storm: two minutes, five seconds.*"

She struggled to fasten the clips. The binding wire started smoking from the speed it was reeling. Would it hold?

"Insula, incease the speed of the emergency extract!" she ordered.

"*Increasing speed will risk injury to the passenger when docking.*"

"Just do it, dammit!"

"*Acknowledged.*"

Aloe added the last fasten clip to her outer suit, pulling the breathing unit over her torso.

"*1000 km. Storm: less than sixty seconds until contact."*

"Corporal," Ven yelled. "hurry up, and get the hell outta there!"

With her helmet on, Aloe glanced over to the receiving dock.

"*Brace for docking*," Insula announced, "*drill pod incoming at unstable speeds.*"

Aloe clipped her suit's binding wire to an anchor ring on the wall. The doors to the dock opened, releasing an ear-piercing howl as the air was sucked out by the pressure. Aloe felt her body yank towards it, but her wire kept her tethered. Sparks shot from the main binding wire as the drill pod came rushing through the door, smashing into ceiling.

Pieces of shrapnel flew in all directions. One piece narrowly missed Aloe as she was knocked to the ground from the impact.

The pod dangled loosely from the ceiling like a caught prey at a harsh angle.

"Insula, close the docking bay!"

"*Error: Docking doors were damaged by shrapnel from unstable drill pod speeds. They cannot be closed at this time.*"

*Shit*, Aloe thought.

She attempted to stand up. It was hard to with the air still being sucked out. If she released all the tension from her wire she'd fly out and be helpless; on the other hand, she was running out of time.

"Insula, try again!"

"*Error: Docking doors--*"

"Override!" Aloe screamed, still struggling to inch forward.

"*Error: Override authority not accepted.*"

Aloe focused on the dangling pod. Maybe if she let go she could grab on and climb up to it somehow. Somehow...

"*Storm impact*," Insula stated, "*in 5... 4...*"

A bright light grew from the opened bay, greedily swallowing up everything into white.

"*3...2...1...*"

Aloe's heart dropped.

A loud roar of electricity invaded the air followed by the crash of twisting metal. The entire bay facility shook violently, throwing Aloe backwards like a rag-doll. She felt her head smack into the back of her helmet. Instantly, her world went back.

\*\*
Aloe's vision slowly came into focus. Her ears were ringing. She could just make out a voice in the background.

"Corporal?! Corporal are you there? Come in!"

The ringing started to settle. Aloe glanced about noting the damage. The walls of the bay were slightly singed. Tools and other equipment were strewn about.

"Corporal! Come in, do you copy?!"

"C-chief?" she mumbled, feeling her head throb uncontrollably.

"Corporal! Zaile's Light, you're alive."

"What... What happened?"

"I used my override code to close the docking doors. Wasn't sure if I did it in time though. How you holding up?"

She struggled to get to her feet, feeling the pain pulse throughout her body. "I've been better, but I'll manage."

"What about Lenio?" he asked.

Aloe's eyes flashed, glancing over to still see the pod hanging at an awkward angle. She quickly unhooked her binding wire. Her legs were wobbly. Despite it, she fought to reach the pod.

"Lenio?!" she called out. "Lenio, can you hear me?"

Silence. The only sound was the creak from the wire swinging.

"Insula, lower the drill pod."

"*Error: The main binding wire was damaged in the emergency eject. Drill pod cannot be lowered.*"

"Shit," Aloe said through gritted teeth.

She looked around the area to find something that could assist. Her eyes settled on a lift. Perfect. It had little damage from the incident. Lucky for her, it was also a mobile unit. She hopped over to its control panel and punched it awake. With the circuits full of life, she drove it up to the pod.

"Lenio, hold on. I'm coming up, okay?"

She activated the lift, slowly bringing it up to the ship. As she got closer to the pod, her heart got louder ringing in her ears.

"Lenio, talk to me in there!"

Still silence was returned. She halted the lift a few feet away from it. Her fingers traced along the outer hull. The pod was designed to take on the harsh environments offered by different worlds. Yet, there were heavy char marks along the sides.

She gripped the emergency handle and pulled down on it. It resisted her. She leaned on it with all her weight. Slowly, it gave in, releasing flakes of charred metal. The door swung down, revealing the tight confinements of the cockpit.

Aloe's heart dropped. Lenio sat in it, motionless. He was upside down slumped towards her. If not for his restraints, he'd fall completely out.

"Lenio?" she said softly.

She didn't want to believe her eyes. He couldn't be... If only she-- Just then, he coughed and started to move. Tears of joy filled Aloe's eyes. He grunted and glanced up.

"Corporal?" he said with a raspy voice.

"You big idiot," she said in relief. "Don't go scaring me like that."

His eyes traced from her to the floor beyond. Instantly, they grew big. He immediately shut them.

"Shit! Why the hell are we up so high?"

She chuckled. How could she forget? Lenio hated heights which was comical considering he'd done feats worth more alarm.

"Take it easy," she reassured, "I'll get you down. Are you injured anywhere?"

He took a second to move a little more. "I don't thin--" His words cut short as he let out a loud yelp. "Okay, my right arm's broken, I think."

Aloe bit her lip. She took a second to contemplate and realized there was only one course of action.

"Alright, I'm gonna need you to undo your restraints."

"What?"

"We have to. The wire was damage in the emergency extraction, so I can't lower the pod. Don't worry, I'll catch you."

He sighed and prepped himself. Aloe did the same bracing herself.

"I'm gonna count to three..." she said. "One."

Lenio undid one of the straps. His body slumped harshly forward clung to the second fastener.

"Two..."

He took in a deep breath.

"Three!"

With that, he undid the last strap and plunged immediately. Aloe did her best to catch and tuck his neck. The massive man's weight slammed into her arms. She felt his helmet smack into her head as she was pancaked onto the lift.

For a second, Aloe saw nothing but white, but it quickly cleared up. Her head throbbed and pulsed with a sharp pain. Lenio winced in pain as he grabbed his arm. His eyes widened as he struggled to get up.

"Corporal?! You okay?!"

He did his best to slide to the side. He found her chuckling underneath.

"You see," she muttered in-between a cringe, "I told ya, I'd catch you."

He joined her in laughter. They were interrupted by her relayer.

"What's going on?" the Chief asked. "How's Lenio?"

"A-okay Sir," Lenio answered.

"Good to hear, son."

"Chief, Lenio's got a broken arm. I'm gonna get him over to Medical," she explained, sitting up.

"Do it. When you're done, make your way up to the Bridge. We need to assess repairs. The ship took heavy damage from that storm. If there's no serious injury, it's all-hands on deck."

"Roger Sir."

## Chapter 2

Aloe reached the ascender and pressed the button to summon it. She rubbed her temple and felt the sharp sting behind the bandage. It felt worse than it looked. She sighed, feeling the final pumps of adrenaline fade from earlier, with the return of fatigue. With Lenio out of the picture now, it meant the schedule was gonna be tighter, which meant longer shifts, and subsequently, fewer breaks. She wasn't looking forward to that.

A sound prompted the arrival of the lift. The doors opened and Aloe was surprised to find Faa on the other side.

She was like a reflection of Aloe -- a confetti of freckles across her face, icy pale, blue eyes, and even the same fiery red hair except Faa preferred hers long, opposed to at her ears. Aloe stood motionless, eyeing her.

"You getting on or what?" Faa said, fixing her glasses.

Aloe let the silence linger in the air for another second before joining her inside.

"*Level?*" the voicer asked.

"Main Bridge," Aloe responded.

"*Acknowledged.*"

They felt the ascender tremor as it lifted. The lights flickered with its movement. Although they resembled each other, Faa had more rounded features in her face and was shorter, settling below Aloe's shoulder.

"You're still here," Aloe said, finally breaking the silence. "I thought you'd left when we stopped at Kholar port."

"Yeah," Faa replied, "Ven asked me to stay on a little longer since we're short on hands. It's the least I could do for him."

"Well, it's appreciated. We can always use the extra help around here."

"After we're done here though, I'm gone."

"I see..."

"You... Okay?"

Faa was noting the bandage over Aloe's eye.

"Yeah. This is nothing just a quick patch-up by the doc. Lenio was hurt more."

Faa looked concerned. "He's not...?"

"No, of course not. He's fine too. Might need a few weeks away to recover though."

"That's good. So, Petty Corporal now, is it?"

"Yeah, Ven's right-hand, I guess."

"That's great. You're moving up."

"Yeah." The awkwardness lingered in the air. "So, that gig you got lined up, it still the one with Caleb?"

"*Druen* actually," Faa corrected, "and yes. He'll meet us at Kholar. Ven said he'll drop me back off afterwards."

"You'll be working near the Inner Ring, right?"

"That's the one," Faa answered, shifting uncomfortably.

"Good. That's-- I'm happy for you." Aloe turned to her. "Seriously, Faa."

She glanced at her, searching Aloe's eyes for truth, and finally smiled. "Thanks, sis."

"I'm glad you're still here. It's been a minute since we last spoke, and I know it didn't end on the best of terms."

Aloe's mind drifted to that harsh exchange. She couldn't quite recall whether they had gotten physical or if she'd simply punched a wall. Regardless, she still had that scar on her hand.

"Yeah," Faa said, rubbing her arm. "Look, I don't want to--"

"Did you get my last message?" Aloe interrupted.

Faa glanced down at her wrist comm. "No sorry. This vexing thing-- it's still faulty. Really need to let Lester take a look at it."

"It was about lunch," Aloe said.

"Oh..."

"I figured we could have a last meal together, you know, to catch up," Aloe said. "We barely see one another due to the work. Figured if this is your last ride, we could make an exception."

Aloe could see the disagreement in her eyes.

"Of course, if don't want to, you don't--"

"No," Faa said abruptly, "lunch sounds... great."

Aloe smiled. "Great then. It's a date."

The air seemed to lighten. They let the silence return.

"You know," Aloe brought up, "if it all doesn't work out, I'm sure Ven would easily take you back. You do good work around here."

"Don't do that," Faa stated.

"Do what? I'm just saying there's always a place for you here."

"You're doing that thing you always do. Creating some backdoor plan to protect me."

"Faa, are you *really* sure this Druen guy is that path you wanna take?"

Faa sighed, shaking her head. "I knew it. You didn't change one bit. I can't believe I was stupid enough to believe you could."

"I'm just trying to help you decide what's best for you."

"What's best for me? You always have to play the big sister *mom* role. You can never just be supportive for the good thing I have going?"

"We *have* a good thing *here*, Faa!" Aloe argued.

"What? Digging up rocks off back-watered planets, in a rusty boat for low credits, and stale wafers? That's your endgame, sis? We're so much better than this. There are bigger opportunities out there."

"Look," Aloe turned to her, "it may not be the *gran* life of adventure you were looking for, but it's better than the one on that shit-hole of a world we called home!"

"Aloe that's not--"

"I know this life isn't for everyone. However, this-- I'm content with it. I thought you would be too. There are others who would *kill* to be in the position you're in --*we're*-- in. You keep thinking there's this *bigger* great adventure that'll pay off. There isn't though, Faa. And if there is, it isn't meant for us."

Faa's mouth drew to a line.

"Vexus," Aloe continued, "Ven took us in. There wasn't a logical reason he should have, but he did. Without him, we'd still be..." She trailed off. "Things are already hard as is around here. Work is tight, the ship is falling apart, and we're short-staffed... How could you betray him like that? Do you know he told me if you had been more focused, and shown that you actually cared, you'd be promoted, *not* me. He could tell you weren't here for the long-run. Honestly, I'm surprised he hadn't kicked you off already."

"Well perhaps," Faa interjected, "he should have!"

"At one point, he did consider it! Do you know why he didn't though? Because *I* stood up for you! That's your problem: you think you can just *do* these things but you never think them through!"

"Aloe, I don't need you to protect me anymore! I'm not this helpless child that needs my 'fealess' sister to fight my battles! Now, I'm sorry you feel like this is the life for us, but I don't care about any of it!"

Aloe exhaled deeply through her nose. "You're right, Faa, you don't care. You're always carefree, thinking the world is *so* vexing easy -- no struggles, no consequences. Things just line up and happen because you want them to. You were the same way on Xas -- *I* always had to look out for us, *I* stole the food so we wouldn't starve like the rest, and chased the other sewer scowlers away while you lived in your little fantasies. If it wasn't for me we'd still be there... or worse."

Faa looked genuinely shocked at this. "You really think every decision you make is flawless? Perfect little Aloe never makes mistakes! I have to stay at your side because *you* always knows best."

"You know what, Faa, if you wanna leave," Aloe went on, "then *go*! I do look out for you too much, but I'm tired of it now. You're a big girl, right? You don't need me! You wanna go off and get yourself killed chasing a stupid thrill, then do so dammit!

"You're right, I don't make perfect decisions. My biggest mistake was not trading your ass to Zheln when I had the chance, and perhaps I would be better enjoying this 'grand' life you're so fond of!"

Faa became bright red. Aloe immediately regretted the words. Faa turned away and remained silent. Aloe opened her mouth, but her voice was lost to her. Instead she focused her eyes on the panel above the doors. As the ascender scaled each level, it showcased digital numbers changing. They couldn't reach their destination any quicker.

The last time they fought they hadn't spoke in a months --aside from what Ven needed them to for the job. Even then, it was barely an exchange. Months of silence until now, and Aloe ruined it... *again*. From the looks of it, this might've been for the last time.

As the ride continued she bit her lip. She glanced over to her sister. Despite the glare from her glasses she could tell she was fighting back tears.

The ascender finally eased to a halt.

"Main Bridge level reached," the voicer announced.

Aloe was about to apologize, but as soon the doors parted, Faa swiftly exited.

"Real smart," Aloe whispered to herself.

She sighed and stepped out into the bridge.

It was an open, white room filled with an abundance of display-panels decorating the walls. The Bridge had an airy clean vibe as if it were an extension of the Medical Bay. White control panels hugged the walls of the room, all displaying holographic data – energy readings, blueprints of the ship, and even some with live surveillance of certain facilities. The back-wall displayed a panoramic close-up of the outside planet: PL-0490. They had been orbiting it for several days, extracting its resources. It was a one of ten worlds to the giant sun of this system: Hale’s Eye.

Aloe noted Faa walking over to the others all huddled in the back and realized they were last to arrive. Their approach attracted their attention.

"Faa!" Ari called out with arms up. The young dark-skinned lad was slouching comfortably on over the arm of a chair. He had a string of dreads tied back into a tail, a few strands hovering over his eye. As usual he was stuffing his face. From the looks of the dry wafer colors, it appeared to be bread.

"Hey Air!" Faa replied with genuine grin. She rendered a first bump.

"Glad to see you're not dead," he joked. "You should've hears this is old coot earlier, hollering like a sissy." He pointed to Lester, who shook his head. "You wanna get in a game of Poter-Kin later?"

"Always! I'm free during lunchtime, if you are?"

Aloe grimaced. Of course, she couldn't protest it. There was no one to blame but herself.

"I'm there!" he said, shoving another wafer in his mouth.

If there was one thing the two sisters had in common, it was being able to completely hide the discord between each other.

"Corporal, you okay?" Lester said with a cocked eyebrow with a strong accent. He was leaning against the wall with arms crossed. They were fairly built, weaving with a river of black tattoos on his forearms. Despite mildly stained wrinkles, he looked good for his age with a salt and peppered beard.

"Yeah," she lied, peeling her eyes away from the others.

"Chief told us about Lenio. Damn shame what happened. How is the lad?"

"He's hanging in there," she replied. "Got a broken arm but I escorted him to Qim. She'll patch him up. Had to scrape his mouth off the ground though."

Lester scoffed. "Poor lad. He hasn't got a chance, if he keeps that up."

Aloe shrugged, shaking her head. "Qim is practically begging him to just ask her out. I gave him an ultimatum though. He's got until tomorrow."

Lester chuckled. "Ten credits says he botches the whole thing."

"I'll take that," she said with a grin.

"Damn, Corporal?" Eri chimed in from the side. "That looks like it hurts."

She snorted. "Like hell." She removed the bandage.

Ari's face cringed. "Wow, can't lie, that kinda makes you look like a badass."

Aloe rubbed it and then nodded to him, noting his own wrapping. "That's good news for you then maybe. You might actually earn a chance to become one."

He gleamed. "Sad to say this wasn't in the line of duty like you. Bumped my head after my room lost power. Best sleep I've had in ages," he lulled with a smile. "Something about skipping a shift just hits differently."

"Good to know," Chief Ven interjected.

He emerged from the back room.

Ari shrank. Ven passed a look to Aloe, one she recognized that she would hear about later in private. Aloe sighed. Inside, she was punching Ari.

"Good, you're all here," Ven said.

He was a well-built man who stood at a looming height with most besides Lenio barely measuring up to his shoulders. It was rumored he was an ex-Legionnaire soldier. Of course, no one knew for sure and he never entertained the question. Oddly enough, he never raised his voice. He never had to. He had an intense presence but a vibe of trust.

"Let's mute the side bars," Ven continued.

He prompted the big panel to display a flat image of the Insula with readouts.

"As I'm sure you are all aware, approximately 37:04, the ship was hit by a massive electro-magnetic storm."

The screen showed a quick surveillance of the outside haul. Within the black void, a fast cloud cluster of weaving electricity swept over the feed throwing it into static.

"Zalie's light..." Lester whispered.

"It was moving so fast that even if we had full thrusters cooking we still wouldn't have been able to avoid its path."

"Where did it come?" Ari asked.

"That's just it," Ven answered, "could not pinpoint an origin point. I reached out to HDP, to warn the Circle but it doesn't appear to be heading in that path. They don't know what caused it either. I passed along a report on our status."

He paused to survey the room. All eyes stared back him with anticipation.

"We're dead in the water."

"How bad is it, Chief?" Lester inquired for the group.

"Most of our systems are fried. Thrusters are non-responsive, power is spotty at best but is failing. Fortunately, life support systems are holding but for how long I don't know."

He turned to the screen.

"Levels 2, 8, 23-26 are all offline."

As he spoke the respectively areas lit up on the screen.

"We're gonna need all hands on for this."

He passed a stern look at Eri, who swallowed.

"Lester," Ven continued, "see what you can do about the grid and try and divert power to the other areas -- focus will be on the Syn-cooler -- if those cells overheat, we're screwed."

He nodded.

Ven, turned to Ari.

"That's why it's important those Syn-cells be *intricately* analyzed. Monitor their temperatures and update us on any changes. Seeing how you're fully rested that shouldn't be a problem."

Ari nodded with a sheepish grin.

"Chief," Aloe spoke up, "we might lose some of the resources if the fridging units were hit as well."

"Good point." Ven glanced over to Faa. "What do you think?"

"Well, before I came up, initial reports didn't indicate any forthcoming issues. I'd have to dig deeper after this to be sure."

"Lest, see if you can supplement any additional power there if they are affected."

He sighed grudgingly and nodded. "Of course, what's one more problem to fix stacked on all the others."

"I know it's a lot, but we work with what were dealt."

He reluctantly nodded, tossing up a thumb. "Aye aye, Sir."

"Well," Faa chimed in, "I can say, if we do lose anything, we could always extend our time to extract more. Better a delay than an empty hand."

"Good luck with that," Aloe interjected.

Faa raised an eyebrow.

"The binding wire is toast. Almost gave out trying to haul Lenio's ass up."

Lester rubbed his brow in contempt. The plate was piling.

Ven's face remain stoic. "Lest, focus on keeping the lights on. Last resort, we divert attention to the drill pod, but that's not priority. If those extracts go, we don't get paid."

That bit seemed to unsettle everyone.

"Corporal, check on Lenio. I know we can't bother him but talk to the doc and see what he *can* do, if possible."

"Roger Sir."

"We'll hold you off as a reserve to plug in for anyone who needs relief. We need to move quickly, people. If there is any major damage, notify me immediately. We need to know the true extent *before* it bites us in the ass later. Let's move out."

With that everyone began to leave.

"Faa," he called out, "stay back."

She halted. Aloe paused to survey as everyone else moved past her. Ven's eyes locked onto hers.

"Move along, Corporal. I need to speak your sister alone."

Faa gave Aloe brief eye contact before looking away. There was something about her eyes. She had a gut feeling but couldn't figure out why. She walked away, entering the ascender. Ven began to initiate their conversation just as the doors shut.