Celestial Fire

She looked at me intently… Her eyes a deep blue gray, her hair neatly tucked up, preventing it from dipping below shoulder length. Her face…. one of clam discernment with excitement hidden in the background. The shuttle engine hummed with a low yet still noticeable acoustic note. Outside the blackness of space, was a cold remember of its vast mysteries.

Aurora and I hadn’t known each other long. Yet when they assigned us together, It was like being assigned with a long lost cosmic sibling. Though I will admit, there was more there. It was almost as I was gazing back at myself, while we sat quietly in the rear compartment. Making our way to some secretive outpost…. Known only as Outpost 157. The rumors were, research was going on there. Outside the approval of the Alliance. Though the war in the Orion system, had been going bad… The Alliance had always attempted to maintain a sense of morality. They had always frowned upon tactics that gave us the appearance of being war hungry.

After all, we were not the ones who started the conflict. In fact, the alliance had survived for eons without conflict, and had a amassed a large galactic community. Mostly through trade and, and mutual exploration of the cosmos. I myself came from a ocean world called Nova. One with three moons in a binary star system, deep in the Lyra sector. The greatest beauty of Nova was it’s ocean. A single massive body of water that covered 98% of the planet’s surface.

Aurora was a “space brat”, moving around to different systems in Lyra. Though, she was originally from Nova as well. I suppose that’s why we were paired up for this mission. We had something in common, that was obvious to alliance leadership.

The shuttle rocked violently, as it hit a pocket of dark grav… “Sorry about that you two.” The pilot shot over his shoulder from the front section. “No worries captain.” Aurora shot back. Not taking her eyes off mine. Aurora was like that. She had a way to gaze into your spirit, when she was trying to figure you out.

“Jax, how much longer until we reach the outpost?” My voice rang out, as I tried to ignore Aurora’s deep gaze. “Not too much longer, we got lucky and only hit the tail end of that plasma storm. I’ll have you two there safe and sound soon enough.”

Jax was the outpost’s main fighter pilot….so I never understood why he was sent to escort Aurora and I to the outpost.

“Zach…..” Aurora started… I looked back in her direction, anticipating a question. “Your file says your main area of specialty is genetic research, doesn’t the Alliance avoid such things?” Oh here we go, I thought to myself.

You see, she was right, the alliance did disapprove of anything related to genetic manipulation. Though, factions in Orion did not…… And I suppose that’s were we start getting more interesting. Although I was from Nova, I spent a lot of time in Orion before the conflict. There wasn’t many in Lyra that wanted to explore it. Yet small numbers did, and so I was well versed on the system…. It’s probably why the Alliance raced into the system before the opening of the conflict, to pull us back out.

“As you probably already know, I was spent a lot of time in Orion before the war. In Orion, you learn to adapt and walk a thin line. So yes, one of my specialties is genetics.” Aurora frowned…And continued. “You’re file also says, many of you companions choose to side with factions in Orion. Despite having been from Lyra. I find this concerning, and am wondering who I’m actually working with.”

At that point I was a little annoyed. I didn’t like my loyalty being questioned. “Aurora, I am not them, and if I was a threat I wouldn’t of been assigned to you!” I looked deep into her eyes, letting her feel my emotion as I spoke before continuing. “And on a final note, perhaps you should read my entire file, before asking me such questions.”

Aurora’s frown faded, and was replaced with a soft smile. ” I did, just wanted to hear it from you lieutenant.” I wanted to roll my eyes, Aurora just being Aurora…. “Well now you have Lieutenant..” I replied back.

“Lieutenants, we’ve arrived. Prepare for docking.” Jax shouted over his shoulder. Aurora and tuned looked over at the viewing port, to get a look at the outpost. It was a medium sized space station, surrounded by sensor arrays and defense cannons.

To make it more illusive, it was tucked covertly in high orbit around a plasma like planet. Probably one early in it’s development.

“This place has secretes.” Aurora whispered under her breath. “Welp, let’s go find them.” I responded. Aurora grinned, “I like you already Orion”. She quipped.

I rolled my eyes hard, to that comment. Aurora put her hand on my shoulder… “I’m just teasing, relax Zach”. She looked deep into my eyes before removing her hand, and walking away to get her gear. Something about her, made my curious, probably more so than I should be. But one thing was for sure…… Aurora was complex, and this was going to be the start of one interesting assignment.

The shuttle pulsed and vibrated as docking began. I quickly got my gear and stood next to Aurora as we prepared to depart the shuttle. “Remember Lieutenant, do not share your background with anyone here. Command wants us to ascertain what’s going on in the station, and why they have been spotty in communication.” I nodded, as I heard her though leave my mind.

Jax walked in from the front section, still removing his ear piece. “Well boys and girls, welcome to Outpost 157…….”

The Reader Chooses Options

Hey all, I thought I would give the reader an opportunity to have some influence on the story. After each Outpost 157 chapter there will be a poll. I’ll give readers a “Choose your own adventure” question. That will be reflected in the next chapter of the story. If no one votes, then I will pick an option. Hope you enjoy!

Characters Encountered In This Chapter