The Wardbreaker’s descent towards the planet's surface was all but comfortable. While the nebula offered a veritable dance with death through swirling eddies of shards, Pyrosia’s rugged terrain, scarred by the fiery breath of its restless volcanoes made the planet's skies no less dangerous to navigate. As they breached the atmosphere, the ship was buffeted relentlessly by chaotic winds that left Theron gripping tightly at his controls, knuckles white, eyes fixed on the swirling maelstrom of ash and smoke beyond the hull which was illuminated by flashes of lightning amidst the dense ash cloud. Despite his expertise, even he struggled to maintain the ship's stability amidst the violent turbulence.

As the ship pitched and rolled, lurching precariously, the roar of the strained engines echoed through the cabin. 'Best add "unable to cope well with volcanic ash" to the list of flaws with this ship for when we get back, eh?' Theron shouted over the howling of the engines.

“Returning home would certainly be the most fortuitous aspect of that statement!” Elowen remarked, frantically trying to ensure the shields did not buckle under the thermal strain from both the atmospheric entry and the volcanic disturbance.

Breaching the ash cloud in its descent, the surface below them unveiled a scene even less welcoming. Scorched jungles and molten lakes punctuated the infernal landscape ahead. “Not to add pressure to our situation but how swiftly can you bring us down, Theron?” Leonye’s voice quivered with apprehension.

“We’re not far from the coordinates. Mere minutes?” Theron swivelled his head, “Why?” 

“I’d wager our engines are about sixty seconds away from shutting down” Leonye replied, an alarming screech emanating from his console. “Twenty seconds”.

“What? I’m not reading any malfunctions. Don’t we have sensors to…” Theron’s words trailed off as he met Leonye’s deadpan gaze. “Brace for landing everyone!” he called out, his voice cutting through the chaos of the cabin as the ship began to shake.

With a bone-jarring impact, the Wardbreaker crashed into the unforgiving terrain, skipping across the scorched earth like a pebble on a pond. Trees splintered, rocks shattered and the hull groaned as finally the shuttle came to an abrupt stop. The crew, battered but alive, took a moment to collect themselves, grateful to have survived the harrowing descent. 

As the dust settled and the echoes of the crash subsided, the crew cautiously emerged from their seats, assessing the damage to both themselves and the ship. Selune flitted between the crew, checking them over quickly, sighing with relief as the worst of the injuries seemed to have been avoided. Leonye let out a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding, his hands trembling slightly as he unbuckled his restraints.

Theron glanced around the cabin, taking in the scene with a mixture of relief and embarrassment. “Well, that certainly wasn't how I envisioned our arrival,” he rammed dryly, voice tinged with gallows humour. “At least we made it in one, mostly held together, piece.”

Leonye chuckled weakly, the adrenaline of the crash beginning to ebb away. “I don't know what you mean, Theron, that was a textbook landing for you,” he muttered sarcastically. Looking through the now cracked viewport the faint smell of sulphur had begun to leak inside. 

“Yet, credit where it’s due, our crash could hardly have been more fortuitously placed” Elowen gestured towards the flickering navigation console, then looked up towards the window, a faint outline of a building visible but a short distance away obscured by dust and foliage. “Let's get moving, the atmosphere should be safe enough to breathe, at least for a short period.”

“Lead the way.” Cedrik chimed, rubbing at a sore spot on his shoulder as he ambled towards the door. Collectively gathering essentials the crew emerged, spluttering at the dense scent of sulphur and ash from the volcanic landscape around them. Footsteps crunched in the scorched earth as they made their way towards the silhouette of the facility. 

As the group approached, questions mounted, nothing about the structure appeared Illadrian in design, aside from a few embellishments to the main door. A door that the group soon realised, hung slightly ajar. 

“Hold up, what’s that?” Leonye nodded his head a short distance from the entrance, a long groove carved in terrain. His hand tightened his grip on his weapon, Elowen readied her sidearm as the group approached what appeared to be the wreckage of a small ship, its twisted hull protruding from the ashen earth. 

“Looks like someone didn’t fare too well out here,” Selune remarked grimly.

Leonye stepped forward, his gaze lingering on the mostly undamaged cockpit. “It seems recent, within the week, whoever was flying his thing was lucky they landed right way up. They could be nearby.” His voice trailed off, concern lingering on the groups faces as they collectively looked back towards the facilities partially opened door.  

Selune pushed forwards, crouching by the open cockpit, a small analyser already whirring away scanning the wreckage. “There's traces of blood here, Helkin.” 

“The blazes would a Helkin be doing this far out?” Theron grunted, then chuckled, “though of all planets to land on, Pyrosia would feel like home to one of those infernals.”

Selune stood, holstering her analyser, “Infernal by just name and not nature we hope, though I think it's safe to assume where they went.” The group nodded in agreement, turning back towards the maw of the facility. With cautious steps, the crew approached the open door, senses heightened. Prising open the entrance with ease, Theron led the way, hand resting on the hilt of his blade as he stepped over the threshold. 

The air inside was heavy and stale, a sharp contrast to the acrid scent of sulphur that lingered outside. One by one, the group dialled up the illuminant panels built into their gauntlets, casting the hallways in an auburn glow. Selune, lacking the gauntlets of her companions, relied on a small torch.

Shadows skittered across the walls as the group ventured deeper inside. The corridor stretched out before them, walls made of dark, jagged stone. Deeper in, the walls softened, becoming more refined and smooth with the telltale signs of Illadian involvement as rough stone yielded to brass and copper piping and panels. Along the sides, emergency lighting strips emitted a dim glow, providing minimal illumination in the otherwise gloomy passageway. The air hung heavy with age, dust motes dancing lazily in the beams of their lights as the group emerged into a larger room, apparently cavernous, its dimensions stretched far beyond the reach of their lights. 

With curiosity they ventured forth, approaching a series of terminals that had slowly begun to flicker to life as if awakened by the presence of the group. Leonye approached one cautiously, his eyes sweeping over the interface. “It’s Illadrian alright, the same tech as our sanctum, though a lot more highbrow.”

“Highbrow?” Elowen questioned, still looking around the room as if hoping her persistence would penetrate more of the enveloping darkness.

“These terminals are coded to only activate for us. Timekeepers I mean.” Leonye gestured his gauntleted arm in the air, “Though I expect even Selune could use them, now they've activated and sensed our presence, but this is one hell of a security measure, no doubt the system will go dormant again quickly after we leave. Whatever the people stationed here were doing, it was for Timekeeper eyes only…” Leonye trailed off the clattering of metal suddenly echoing out of the dark.

All five spun in unison, unsheathing their weapons as they looked towards the dying echoes of the sound. Squinting in the darkness from the depths of the chamber a figure emerged, its silhouette obscured by the dim light. Cedrik stepped forward, his voice filled with cautious authority. “Who goes there?” he demanded, his grip firm on his sidearm. 

Before they could receive an answer, the figure lunged forward, a blade gleaming in the faint light. Reacting with lightning speed, Leonye parried the blow, narrowly deflecting the blade away from Cedriks torso. Catching a glimpse of their hooded assailant, a swift kick connected with Leonyes legs, sweeping them out from under him and sending him tumbling to the floor.

With a swift motion, the figure lunged towards Selune, pushing Cedrik aside, predatory yet desperate in its attack. Deftly Selune dodged, her own blade locking with the hilt of her assailant as the pair struggled. “Kromas cur” the figure growled, attempting to disengage.

The grinding of metal reverberated through the chamber, Cedrik, Elowen and Theron stood poised on the periphery, their weapons at the ready. They exchanged wary glances, silently coordinating their next move as they waited for an opening to strike, cautious in case additional advisories lurked in the shadows. Leonye, scrambling to his feet, felt his heart pounding. With but a glance he dashed forward, his blade unsheathed, determined to get even, if not to also aid his reluctant companion.

A swift calculated strike, Leonye aimed for the exposed flank, seeking to exploit the opening made by Selune’s stalemate. But the assailant anticipated his move, relinquishing their hold on their own weapon and sidestepping with unnatural agility, their falling blade tumbling dangerously close to Leonyes face. 

Undeterred, Leonye pressed on, forcing the combatant away from the group. The force of Leonyes blows dislodged the enemy’s hood slightly, revealing a glimpse of their face—tense, determined and, striped? With a growl of frustration the assailant lunged, countering Leonyes' latest blow and sending his blade clattering to the floor, striking with surprising agility. 

Leonye gritted his teeth, recoiling slightly, mind racing as he recalibrated his approach. Leaping with feline-like prowess, the hooded figure crouched upon one of the terminals, amber eyes darting between each of their opponents. 

“For the love of brass!” Elowen snorted, her pistol trained square on the crouching figure now that they were no longer in close quarters with her counterparts. “Enough! Identify yourself! I warn you, one more move and our doctor here won't even be able to patch you up. We mean you no harm but you shall cease this assault. Now.”

“I make no deals with double-crossing Kromas and their associates.” The figure hissed, eyes locked with Elowen, assessing her conviction.

To the side Theron stepped up to Selune's side, mumbling quietly, “Your people are as popular as ever it seems.” 

Selune rolled her eyes in exasperation. 

“Our companion aside, we are far from Kromas supporters, we assure you. We herald from Illadria” Cedrik interjected, already lowering his weapons in good faith. “And you…are the Helkin from the crashed vessel outside. Name’s Cedrik, and you are good sir?” 

The figure hesitated for a moment, their amber eyes flickering with uncertainty. Slowly, they clambered down from the terminal they were crouching on to stand on the floor, raising clawed hands in a gesture of surrender. With a deft flick, they lowered their hood, revealing a pale complexion beneath, face adorned with dark pointed stripes, messy brown hair shaved short on the sides, mixed with streaks of red that obscured one side of their face.

“Siliko,” they replied, voice rough with exhaustion. “My name is Siliko.”

Leonye, still tense from the confrontation, eyed Siliko warily, gulping slightly in relief now noticing the claws from the Helkins raised hands, and grateful he had not been on the receiving end of them. 

“Do you often attack strangers unprovoked, Dareblade?” Selune interjected, picking up Siliko’s sword from the floor and running a thumb over the embellished insignia.

“When they double cross me I do,” Siliko growled, his softened tone deepening again to address Selune. “Lucky for you I've been starving for over a week down here or with my bare hands I’d…”

“Let’s not resort to threats, shall we?” Cedrik interjected, his tone calm but firm as he stepped forward, placing himself between Siliko and Selune. “We’re not here to antagonise you, we just want some answers.”

Siliko eyed Cedrik warily but with a heavy sigh, he nodded, seeming to relent. “Answers…” Siliko echoed, his voice trailing as he glanced around the group as if searching for something within the dimly lit surroundings. With a mixture of wariness and curiosity he continued, “You claim to be Illadrians, but I know their fate, besides which you’re armed and equipped as if you’re part of a military expedition with a Kromas amongst you to boot. Hard to believe you’ve been ambling around undetected for so long, unless you’re implying the Illadrians have broken free of their confinement. Not the most believable tale.” His gaze lingered on each member, probing for any sign of deception. Selune, sensing the burning suspicion, stepped forward, nodding to Cedrik that she was alright as she sheathed her sword.

“You’re correct in some of your observations,” she began, looking round as if to check she had permission to speak on behalf of the group, choosing her words carefully, “I am indeed Kromas, but circumstances of my own placed me alongside my companions here during the attack that locked the rest of their people away. My allegiance lies with them. I served as a liaison with the Illadrians long before the war but shared none of my people's lofty ambitions. Not all of my people share the ruling family Mirkok’s vision of totalitarianism but I’ll not stand idly while they subject the universe to their tyranny.” 

Leonye raised an eyebrow slightly as if weighing the words more heavily than Siliko before adding his words to the fray. “Though an unlikely ally, and one whose involvement with our mission remains under probation,” he began as he rubbed the back of his hands reminiscently, breaking into a soft smile. “In her own way, she has demonstrated a depth of character that has earned a tentative trust from me, at the very least.” 

“High praise indeed from you.” Theron laughed, sheathing his weapons.

Selune glanced at Leonye with a faint smile before turning her attention back to Siliko, who seemed to be processing the information with a mix of curiosity and bafflement. He remained silent for a moment, eventually nodding. “You certainly keep unique company, though your story is too ludicrous not to be true."  he remarked, tone tinged with laughter as he lowered his hands cautiously before flourishing into a bow. “Very well then, if you will permit me to introduce myself formally, Silko Farkan, Dareblade, bounty hunter and courtesan, at your service.”  

“A pleasure,” Elowen replied bemusingly as she gestured around the group, “This is Theron, Leonye, Selune, Cedrik of course, and I am Elowen. Our vessel was damaged during a conflict well over a year ago. By the time we returned to Illadria, we discovered their fate. Now, we are just trying to gather intelligence and help any way we can.” She shared a knowing glance with Leonye at the slightly altered tale of their circumstances. “Our vessel recently suffered several engine failures and we are hoping this facility may house a suitable replacement. Now, why don’t you tell us what you are doing here?”

Siliko narrowed his eyes slightly, letting out a low whistle. “Well, don't you just have a knack for finding trouble. My tale, I’m afraid, is a lot less noble and more… opportunistic.” He leaned back, his posture relaxed as he rested against the terminal behind him before continuing. “I was contracted by a Kromas to aid in their hunt for a certain artefact. But when my intel ran dry and we arrived at the Grimlands, it became clear that they felt my usefulness had come to an end. Next thing I know, I'm stranded on this rock. Quite lucky to crash next to one of the few structures on the planet. I broke in and, well… made a rough home for myself. Couldn't activate any of the damn systems, though.”

“Speaking of which,” Leonye interrupted, poking his head up from behind one of the terminals, “let there be light.” With a quick hiss and a low grinding of mechanisms the chamber filled with a weak glow from overhead lamps which gradually brightened to illuminate the room. The group blinked in unison as they took in their surroundings before the group let out a collective gasp. 

As suspected, they found themselves standing in a vast chamber, the walls adorned with machinery and monitors which flickered to life with data streams following Leonyes tinkering. Pipes snaked along the ceiling, slowly beginning to emit a low hum that reverberated through the air. Surrounding them, a series of terminals stood sentinel, their screens and gauges sputtering from years of neglect until the intervention of the handy gearsmith. 

As the group surveyed their surroundings, their attention was soon drawn to the breathtaking site before them. Along one wall stood a large unbroken window slowly unveiled behind large shutters, offering a panoramic view of the most beautiful vessel any of them had seen. 

The ship, resplendent in its majesty, was certainly one of a kind. Its hull gleamed with a polished copper hue with large glass windows. Adorned with intricate engravings and elegant arches that streamlined the ship's silhouette, shimmering blue aether crystals embedded throughout the vessel's hull caught the light and cast dancing reflections across the chamber. Despite the grandeur, the ship was eerily inert, as if it stood waiting for a crew to return and breathe life into the empty corridors.

“The Endless Wonder. Certainly lives up to its name,” Selune remarked, her voice filled with awe.

“And there’s more to see,” Theron pointed out, gesturing to a lower section of the hangar before them.

“Is that a Kromas vessel? What’s it doing here?” Cedrik pondered aloud, a hint of tension in his tone as he turned to Elowen, who was already engrossed in one of the terminal screens.

“It seems to be a craft of subterfuge. The exterior may be Kromas, but most of its systems have been retrofitted with Illadrian interfaces. Quite intriguing indeed. Methinks this facility has been engaged in the creation of quite a diverse range of specialised vessels.” she explained.

“Well, we may need to use it. The Wardbreaker will take weeks to make space worthy, and judging by this manifest, the Endless Wonder still lacks a few key components. We’ll need to gather supplies before we can set off. On the bright side, according to the maintenance logs, she's fully equipped apart from a few minor parts, not to mention a lack of fuel.” Leonye added, studying a manifest for the ship,”We could cannibalise the Wardbreaker…but if anything is amiss with our new toy, we could strand ourselves for quite a while.”

Theron turned to Siliko, “Do you mind if we scrap your ruined ship for parts? We can offer you a ride out of here.” 

The Helkin chuckled softly, his eyes crinkling with amusement, “There wouldn’t be much worth salvaging from my wreck” he admitted with a wry smile. “Most of my fuel burned up in the atmosphere” He glanced towards the Kromas vessel “But, there is a settlement nearby, Farlight, they might have what you need.”

“Farlight? You mean that settlement orbiting a rift?” Elowen’s brow furrowed in though. “What do the locals call it, the edge of reality?” 

“Exactly,” Siliko confirmed. “But we’ll need to be discreet. Five Illadrians wandering around would attract a lot of attention. Not ideal if you want to remain clandestine.”

“Agreed,” Cedrik interjected. “We need a plan.”

Siliko’s ears perked up at the opportunity. “I could help with that,” he offered a hint of opportunity in his tone. “For the right price, of course, given my expertise.”

“And what might this fee be?” Elowen asked, her eyes narrowing. 

“A ship,” Siliko replied smoothly. “And some food. Vigilantes don't do well staying in one place for too long.” 

Leonye nodded thoughtfully. “We can manage that, but what do we get in return?” 

“I am happy to offer my services as a guide, and Kromas pass quite easily amongst any settlement nowadays. I propose that Selune and I go to Farlight to procure the supplies you need. We can make use of that Kromas craft and I can pose as a bodyguard, my reputation should precede me well enough.” Siliko purred proudly. 

“That plan has its merits, but I insist one of us goes with you.” Elowen hesitated, then spoke firmly. “Leon? If you already have a list of the parts you need, you would be the best to go with them. We can carry out any small patches and get the ship up and running while you’re away. We can also take a look at the wardbreaker and get a more accurate idea of how bad the damage is.”

Leonye nodded, opening his mouth to speak but finding himself cut off by Siliko, “An Illadrian will draw a lot more attention…”

Elowen met his gaze unwaveringly. “I insist,” she said, her tone brooking no argument evidently not trusting the Helkins sudden opportunistic charity.

“He’ll have to pose as a slave then, that’s the only way we’ll get away with the ruse.” Siliko grunted, turning towards Selune and her soft stance. “And you’ll need to show some fang.”

Selune blushed, taking a step back, “Meaning what?”

“No medical empathy, show some authority.” Siliko growled, “Out there you’ll need to play the part of dominatrix, with a Helkin guard and Illadrian slave. Otherwise the first Kromas sympathiser we come across will out us before we make it back to the ship.”

Cedrik glanced at the pair, silently assessing their reactions. “It’s not ideal, but it may be your best chance at blending in. We wouldn't want you bringing back any stragglers,” he remarked.

Theron nodded in agreement. “We need to do whatever it takes to complete our mission and protect our people.” he continued, stifling a grin. “If Leon wearing a harness and rags is what is required im sure its a sacrifice he will be willing to make.” 

“Agreed,” Cedrik added with a giggle. “He is always willing to go above and beyond for the mission if required.”.

“I’m standing right here…” Leonye pouted, looking from the group, to Selune and then to Siliko. Frowning slightly at the thought of a solo mission with his tentative ally and an unknown gun-for-hire. “Well… let me take a look at the Kromas ship and we can be underway.”

Siliko smirked, turning on his heels and beginning to walk towards a doorway at the end of the room with a spring in his step. “Fantastic! Lets get you both into hair and makeup! All aboard!”

Leonye, and Selune followed behind, slightly less jovially, as Elowen and the others turned towards the Endless Wonder and the surrounding terminals. Pausing for a moment Elowen looked up towards the trio and called after them. “Siliko, you said the Kromas you were aiding was searching for an artefact. What was it?”

Siliko halted abruptly, his gaze piercing as he turned back to face Elowen. “The Entropy Resonator,” he uttered. Punctuated by a knowing wink, he continued his stride, disappearing into the shadows of a corridor. His words hung in the air like a sinister omen, leaving four stunned Illadrians and a gaping Kromas in a suddenly deafening silence. 

The group exchanged some perplexed glances, with Theron being the first to speak up, shaking off the unease, “Well, I think we got the intel we needed. You need to get moving, now. Leon, Selune, make your preparations and get going, we will get the ship warmed up here.”

Leonye nodded, glancing at Elowen, her eyes remained fixed on the spot where Siliko had stood. “Be cautious,” she warned, “But find out what you can about the Hellkins previous employer, I don’t think I need to explain how bad it would be for any Kromas to get their hands on an artefact like that.”

“We won't let you down,” Selune affirmed, giving a nervous smile and a nod as Silikos voice echoed back from down the corridor. 

“No doubt you're having important discussions about time being of the essence… But I’ve not eaten in days so let’s not dawdle!”

Making haste, Leonye and Selune hurried after him, moving through the hangar, their footsteps echoing off the metallic walls. The strange hybrid vessel loomed ahead, its exterior a sleek black, fluid-like organic hull.  As the trio approached, the ship’s hatch opened with a hiss, revealing a spacious, retrofitted, Illadrian engineered interior. 

“Clever,” Sikiko mused, jumping ahead and wasting no time getting to the cockpit and sliding into the pilot’s seat. “Strap in everyone, this might be a bumpy ride!”

Silikos fingers fumbled over the controls, but nothing happened. Frowning he tried again, more forcefully this time, yet the ship remained inert.

“What’s the holdup?” Leonye asked, leaning casually against the doorway, a hint of amusement in his eyes, as Selune found a seat, her head tilted just enough to suggest they were piecing together the reason for Leonye’s bemusement. 

“The controls aren’t responding, the ship must be dead,” Siliko admitted, his smirk fading.

Leonye stepped forward, suppressing a smile. “Mind if I give it a shot?” He nudged Siliko aside and took his place at the helm. Almost instantly the console lit up with a soft hum, along with the rest of the ship. “Timekeeper engineering, won’t turn on unless you have one of these.” He shook his gauntlet arm, unable to hide his smug satisfaction any longer. 

“Now I could let you take over, but…” He left the sentence unfinished, his fingers deftly manipulating the controls. The engines roared to life, propelling the ship into the air and sending Siliko tumbling into a nearby chair.

Siliko scowled, adjusting himself into his chair. “Fine. Just get us to Farlight.”

Leonye nodded, adjusting the controls with ease as the outer hanger doors opened and the ship sailed quickly upwards back into the hazardous Grimlands. 

As the last of Pyrosia’s fiery peaks disappeared into the cosmic horizon, the rather unusual shuttles cabin was filled with a tense silence. Selune fidgeted nervously in her chair, as Siliko rose to his feet moving over to a small alcove in the wall, returning moments later holding an elaborately ornate leather garment embellished with fine silks.

“Here, freshly synthesised, and still warm, too. This should help you play the part where we’re going.”

Selune’s eyes bulged as she clutched the garment in her hands, a world away from her usual, more comfortable attire. Slipping back into his seat, Siliko’s sword glinted as he gave it a casual polish, his good spirits seemingly restored by Sleunes discomfort. Leonye sighed cautiously as he programmed the helm with a course towards Farlight, before turning his attention back to his companions.

“This feels excessive,” Selune murmured, “Is this really necessary, can we not just go unnoticed among the dregs?” 

Siliko’s smirk crept across his face as he lounged back, his boots finding a perch on a terminal. “We could try,” he conceded, “but the instant your pretty green eyes catch the light, we’ll have more questions than answers. Kromas don’t do poverty.”

“I hate everything about this plan, but I see your point.” Leonye said, glancing back and forth between the helm and the duo. “It’s not just about blending in, it’s about control. If we dictate the narrative, and they react to us, people are less likely to question.”

Selune sighed, the weight of the disguise in her hands somehow growing heavier. “I suppose commanding attention is better than hiding and hoping.” Standing, she withdrew from the cramped shuttle bridge, heading to a small alcove to change but remaining within earshot. As she disappeared, her voice drifted back. “Siliko, before we go any further, we need to address what you said about the Entropy Resonator.”

Leonye cocked his head, raising his voice to make sure Selune could still hear him. “Agreed. What and who exactly are we dealing with here?”

Siliko’s smirk faded, replaced with an unnervingly serious demeanour. He glanced towards the open doorway before responding. “Ah, that,” he said, his tone turning sombre. “You’ve heard of it no doubt? The device of immense power and even greater consequence. Imagine it: being able to manipulate the very fabric of reality, altering energy, matter, the forces that bind the universe, on a whim!”

He paused, letting his words settle like ash in the quiet cabin. “The Kromas I was hired by, Zalen, was pretty hellbent on finding it. What for? I couldn't say.” Seeing Leonye’s unconvinced expression, he continued, feeling insulted. “I know what you’re thinking. ‘Oh, the Dareblade charlatan pulled a ruse on a big bad Kromas for some easy coin and didn't even bother to ask what it was for.’ Well, you’re right, I didn’t.”

Sighing, Siliko continued, trying to make his point clear. “I wasn't being entirely dishonest. I did know rumours of people in the system who might know the whereabouts of the Resonator, but they weren’t the most credible sources. Figured if the intel went sour, which it did, I'll remind you, the less I knew about his intentions, the less likely he would be to terminate our contract… lethally. Though he certainly still tried.”

“An unfortunate ending to your latest working relationship. But remind me why exactly we should be trusting you, given your self-established background as a con-man?” Leonye questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Siliko glowered, leaning forward as if to emphasise his next words. “Trust, dear Leon, is a fragile thing. But necessity makes strange allies, does it not?” He gestured towards the direction of Selune. “I fell on hard times and, admittedly, I have recently put my honourable toolkit to less reputable use, and got my comeuppance. As a Dareblade who swore an oath to protect the innocent and those who cannot protect themselves. I have a duty. While the means by which I achieve my overall mission are inconsequential, I sadly still need to be paid, which sometimes necessitates helping less favourable characters in whatever way they need. But once I knew what Zalen was looking for and what it could be used for, I had to make sure the device fell into the right hands, or at least, not the wrong ones.”

Leonye raised a finger inquisitively to pause Siliko’s tale, smiling slightly. “Your intel didn't go sour. You withheld it deliberately, that's why they turned on you. Isn’t it?”

Siliko’s face stretched into a wide grin, as he cackled. “Guilty as charged!”

Before Leonye could respond, Selune stepped back onto the bridge, interrupting their conversation. Now clad in skintight attire, the transformation from her usual compassionate medical garb was dramatic. Her jet black hair, usually pulled back in a practical, unassuming bun, now cascaded over her shoulders in sleek waves. Her green eyes, normally warm and inviting, were now highlighted with dark, smoky makeup that lent them an intimidating quality. The elaborate outfit hugged her figure tightly, the black leather contrasting starkly with the iridescent silks that adorned it, catching the light with every subtle movement.

“Let’s make this quick,” she said exasperated, tugging at the fabric uncomfortably. “This outfit has more layers than the Regency’s bureaucracy, and it’s just about as stifling.”

Seeing Selune in such an outfit brought a mix of shock and amusement to Leonye. “Hey, think of it as character building.” He teased. “Just imagine everyone you speak to is a very tricky patient.”  

Siliko laughed, “There is a market for ‘oppressive chic’.” He turned his attention back, “Speaking of which…I took the liberty of programming a suitable outfit for you into the Patternforge too, Muscles.”

“I think I’ll stick with my current attire thankyou.” Leonye retorted, glancing down at his ensemble. Siliko had a point, his copper hued Illadrian engineering garb would certainly stick out amongst the settlers of their destination. “You might be right,” Leonye admitted, tugging at his shirt uncomfortably.

Siliko’s grin widened as he stood, crossing to the Patternforge. “Ah, come on Muscles. It’ll be fun! A little sexy espionage, blending in with the lowlifes, and hopefully snagging some much-needed goodies for your ship.”

“Sexy espionage and picking up ship parts? Perfect. Just what every engineer dreams of.” Leonye retorted sardonically. Hitting a few buttons on the console he swung himself around and strode over to Siliko at the Patternforge nonetheless. As the machine hummed to life, he felt a pang of reluctance as he watched the shimmering beams of energy synthesise his disguise.

“You have got to be joking,” Leonye muttered, watching the machine creating what could only be described as a skintight, one-piece leather suit, though unlike Selunes, completely devoid of any embellishments or flair. Picking up the completed garment Leonye's face drained of colour, replaced with shades of dread.

Siliko chuckled, clearly amused by Leonye’s discomfort. “It’s certainly…practical”, Selune chimed, trying to conceal a laugh.

Leonye sighed deeply, shaking his head. “Practical? Sure, if you're trying to win a contest for ‘How long can you go without a proper lung full of air’. Is this really necessary?”

“Character building, remember?” Siliko teased, giving Leonye a playful nudge. “Besides, it’s the most accurate slave…I mean, aide attire I could find in the database. Just think of it as a temporary sacrifice for the greater good.” 

Leonye opened his mouth to protest but found himself speechless. Like a fish gasping for air, he struggled to find the words to express his displeasure before reluctantly stepping out of the bridge. Returning moments later, the skintight suit clinging uncomfortably to his form. He tugged at the collar, attempting to adjust to the new sensation as the leather creaked.

Siliko gave him an approving nod, his face barely masking his overwhelming amusement. “Not bad, Muscles. You actually pull it off!”

Leonye rolled his eyes. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one squeezed into this thing. That reminds me...” Reaching down to his irremovable gauntlet, he turned a few small dials. With a shimmer, the gauntlet was masked by a hologram, creating the illusion of a metal wrist cuff. “I think my gauntlet might be a bit too difficult to explain away.”

“Well, we will certainly make an impression,” Selune said, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Though as uncomfortable as they are, no one should have any doubts they’re genuine. As my sla... aide, your attire would be expected to match mine. Though next time, Siliko, we could make do with silks and cotton rather than leather and latex, hmm? And what about your disguise?”

“Disguise?” Siliko scoffed, flopping back into a chair. “I don’t need one. I blend into the crowd wherever I go. I’m just here as your hired guide, so my garb stays as is. By the way, what exactly are you planning to trade with when we reach Farlight?”

Selunes eyes grew wide, almost as fast as Leonyes, realising in their haste they may have overlooked bargaining chips. “Confound it,” Leonye hissed, “Siliko, Selune take a look around for some scrap or parts we don’t immediately need...”

A sudden beeping from the helm cut across the conversation as Leonye dashed, or rather, creaked his way over to his seat. “...then you had better buck-up. We’re almost here.”