Panic painted Nia’s face as she scrambled toward me kicking at the vicelike grip the dying man had on her ankle, blood a puddle in his chest. We both screamed in terror, me trying to haul her away when shots echoed in the narrow hall. Nia flew into me. The enforcer that was soon to be a doorway, a husk for our enemy to cleave his body through, released his grip and collapsed with a lifeless thud.

  We stared at it, waiting for the Cleaver to jump out of his body, but nothing happened.

  “The vessel has to be alive, or it won’t work.” Nia choked out, still gasping for air. We were huddled on the ground with my arms wrapped protectively around her. There were still plenty of other bodies with beating hearts for him to cleave into though so we needed to get the fuck out of here.

  The man who saved us, by shooting the vessel was running towards us down the hallway, his gun was now pointed at us. Yeah fuck this.

  I slammed down on the pod button, kicking the now limp body out of the way as the doors shut and we hastily buckled into chairs. The man was racing towards us, but the door slid shut in the blink of an eye and the pod shot away with a lurch.

  Nia was cradling her stomach again while I was gripping the seat until my knuckles turned white. The pod had two small circular windows which revealed the ship we stole, the enforcers ship and the pirates ship all latched together getting smaller and smaller. That was good except the only thing out here were asteroids and more pirates. Most pods were designed to send out a distress beacon and land on the nearest landmass. That would put us on an asteroid, which was less than helpful given that we hadn’t been able to don space walking suits. At least for now we were safe. I would have to worry about one problem at a time.

  “Are you alright?” I asked Nia.

  “I’ll be fine, the leg’s a bit bruised, that’s all.”

  I nodded. “Is he dead?”

  “The Cleaver? No, he can pull out if the vessel dies.”

  Damn.

  “So how far along are you?” I eyed her abdomen. It didn’t look any larger so maybe she was only a few weeks along.

  “Is now really the best time for this conversation?”

  “Its not like we have anything else to do. We are literally floating in space.”

  She sighed deeply and it reminded me of our teen years when I went from being the cool older sister to the obnoxious older sister.

  A strange expression crossed her face then, but she said “Just a few weeks”

  “I don’t know a lot about babies but do you know gender yet?”

  “No, far too soon for that.”

  Right. “Do you know who the father is?”

  “Of course I do, what do you think we do in the Syndicate, have orgies?”

  “Naw, they don’t strike me as the fun type.”

  “Ha. Ha.”

  It didn’t escape my notice that she said we, not they. Did she consider herself one of them now?

  “Someone’s found us.”

  Outside the window, a ship was pulling up alongside our pod. The ship was too close for me to get a good view, so I wasn't sure if it was enforcers, pirates, or bounty hunters. Probably all three with our luck.

  Around us the pod was being swallowed.

  “We’ll be ok. We got this.” I said, reaching across the small space to grip her hand.

  She didn’t respond, her eyes widened.

  We jolted as the pod hit the floor, our pod tipping onto its side. The straps bit into my chest and hips. I could hear the outer hatch closing and tensed, peering out the window. I couldn’t see a damn thing though. Nia and I looked at each, our nervous energy shared. The hatch released with a hiss, and the pod door opened.

  We were lying on our sides, still strapped into the pod when an annoyingly handsome face hovered over us. He had a square jawline, wide forehead and smooth head. Tattoos climbed up his neck and chin. Two more tattoos slashed across his cheekbones. His sharp features stood out making him even more intriguing in the way dangerous things often are. A charming fiend with glinting silver eyes. I could have sworn he had dark eyes, but maybe he had one of those cyber implants installed.

  “Nia, Naomi, how have my favorite sisters been?”

  “Living the dream, Jin.” I responded as if conflicting emotions were not tearing through me. We were safe now, rescued but relief was followed closely by hot embarrassment at needing the rescue in the first place.

  “Oh you know, just hanging around after getting caught leaking guardian intel, running off planet, evading bounty hunters and enforcers. The usual.” Nia said.

  “You got caught? I thought Naomi and Nox taught you better than that.”

  “Do you mind? We’re a little tied up in here.” I interjected. My side was really bothering me now, so Nia must be in agony.

  He finally noticed the cuffs on both of us and leaned in, freeing Nia first. Nia and I climbed out, she accepted his hand on the way out but I shrugged him off.

  “Do you have any updates on the ROG?” I asked, ignoring the curious crew eyeing us. I didn’t recognize any of them, but Jin was their Captain so if he treated us like friends, they would too.

  I was last on this ship about four, maybe five years ago, but so far, it looked like not too much had changed. We passed through the loading area, down a few busy hallways, up four sets of stairs, dodging workings and crew in the narrow areas and finally into the captain’s lounge, away from prying eyes. It was surprisingly cozy. Vintage leather couches and stuffed chairs lay in a circle. Burgundy walls decorated with brass rimmed mirrors and ancient looking still life paintings. Top shelf liquors were already laid out along with small snacks. It was easy to forget we were on a pirate ship with luxury like this. Nia and I settled in on the brown leather sofa facing him.

  “Yes, the ROG has disbanded, the ships split in different directions, hiding out until the coast is clear. Guardians did show up shortly after the Cleaver but there was nothing left.”

  “Did everyone make it out?”

  “Nox said it was difficult to account for everyone, but the vast majority checked in with him via comms. They don’t currently have plans to reunite, they’re all laying low.” He eyed Nia and his annoyance with her causing this was clearly written on his face, despite his nonchalance earlier. But that was in front of others. His captain mask was sliding off now.

  I wanted to leap to her defense, but the truth was, I didn’t know exactly how this happened. After an uncomfortable moment, I fell back on old pleasantries.

  “How is your mother?” I worried about everyone on the ROG even though we already had a contingency plan in the event we were attacked. Our parents would go to visit his at Ozoma City, as they were longtime close friends since our grandparents met.

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  His entire demeanor loosened, shoulders falling as he spread his legs, lounging more comfortably. “She is wonderful. Your parents arrived last night and our mothers are already wreaking havoc on the retirees, scamming them at card games and gossiping incessantly.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’m glad they’re not here, I’m not sure I could handle them.”

  “God no, those two are trouble.” I huffed.

  Conversation slowed then, but the air was less prickly now. I could use a drink, so I leaned forward and helped myself.

  “So I hear you’re running from the Cleaver. Not sure a little leak warrants that nasty attention.”

  I looked to Nia, after taking a sip of my cocktail. We did just steal a bunch of bloodchrome, but we’ve stolen bloodchrome plenty of times. Before I could decide how to respond, though, Nia spoke up.

  “I’m carrying his child,” she said.

  Shocked silence descended.

  Implying she slept with that monster was bold. She looked down, twisting that ring again. It wasn’t a wedding band, nor was it on the finger to indicate marriage. She mentioned it was a gift the other day, and I hadn’t paid it much attention, but now I was certain it was from him. Brass filigree encircled her index finger with a two silver bands in the middle. Each of the two silver bands held a crimson stone. I leaned closer trying to make it out. No, they weren’t stones, the deep red seemed to swirl as if it were blood entombed within. She twisted the two smaller bands around and around her finger, like tiny planets in constellation. I wasn’t sure what it meant, but it was beautiful, romantic even. I frowned, leaning back again. Either she was a great actress or she really did sleep with him. She knew all good lies carry some truths.

  “I see this isn’t only news to me.” Jin spoke up at last. Tension sizzled between Nia and I. “Perhaps I should see to our comms, make sure we’re in the clear. Then I’ll update you two on the best possible hideouts.” With that he fled. Coward.

  Nia huffed a little in amusement. “Even the big bad Space Pirate is afraid to be in a room with us when we fight.”

  “That’s because he’s smart.” I responded. I took another drink, the liquor burning my throat was cathartic. “So is it true? You really slept with the Cleaver Guardian?” My tone was full of judgement but I couldn’t help it. That monster killed Benny.

  She crossed her arms. “His name is Marcus.” Her tone was firm, like she’ preparing for a fight.

  I eyed her defensive posture. This was not going to be a fun conversation. I wasn’t sure I was ready for it yet. I took another deep drink. I needed to keep an open mind. I didn’t understand my sister's choices, but perhaps if she explained everything, it would make more sense. I didn’t want to be here. I needed to unwind in the comfort of a private room. That was probably a better location for this conversation anyway. I stood up and led her to the usual guest rooms around the corner. Perhaps it was presumptuous of me, but this was where I used to stay.

  As soon as I shut and locked the door, I eyed her stomach. The top was a bit loose, but it was possible there’s a small swell over her abdomen. I paced about the fancy room. It was much larger than mine back home, perks of bigger fare out here I supposed. The room had dark green walls with warm lighting and luscious furniture. It gave the impression of old royalty. Jin was always a sucker for that kind of stuff. Viewed himself as the king of the pirates.

  “Why don’t you start from the beginning,” I said. “I have a feeling there is a lot to catch up on.”

  An hour later, I was sitting on the bed, leaning against the back board with fluffy comforters piled up around me. Nia lay across the foot of the bed, using one arm to prop herself up, facing me. It was nice to unwind and catch up on everything I had missed in her life. After an hour of sharing, it was starting to feel like the old days when we lived together. When we shared everything. Except for all the drama that she had unpacked.

  “So, to summarize, in the past three years at the Syndicate Academy, you were promoted to official scholar, had access to secret texts which revealed that our Monstravi was still alive but reborn in a different form. You befriended three mischievous women, and were in a relationship with the notorious Cleaver guardian who everyone else fears.” She nodded and opened her mouth, but I cut her off. “Oh, and you and your friends stopped an evil cult, which entailed much bloodshed, mostly at the hands of Clio.”

  She grinned, unrepentant. “Yes, that sums it up nicely.”

  “I need to meet this Clio, she sounds like a beast.”

  “You two would definitely get along. Provided you overcome your dislike of the blessed.”

  I rolled my eyes. “You mean the godtouched?”

  She frowned, annoyed. “Thats derogatory and you know it.”

  I sighed. “Just how “blessed” is she? The eyes?”

  “Oh, she’s adapted to her environment as all the blessed are.” Nia hedged.

  I raised an eyebrow, “Was she at least humanoid still?” I may not be a kneeler, but even I knew the more a person communicates with their Monstravi, the more they take on their features, until very little of the original person remains. An image of the Guardian scuttling along the ceiling like a monstrous spider flashed through my head and I shuddered.

  “Of course,” Nia said, not making eye contact.

  I tried to set aside my repulsion and went back to the bigger picture. “It sounded like her communication was unsanctioned though, which meant she too would be on the run from the Guardians. Why didn’t she join you?”

  Nia twisted some of the comforter around her finger. “We got separated in the chaos. I don’t know where she is.”

  We were both silent a moment, contemplating if she got away. It was hard to hide from the godtouched Guardians when you are so “blessed” your features mark you in a crowd. However, she could have been “blessed” with camouflage or other tricks.

  “I’m sure she understands. You did what you needed to.” I said.

  “I hope so,” She breathed.

  Silence fell and I became aware of the gentle hum of the ship around us. It was not unlike our ship back home and I found it reassuring. It was still colder here though. I pulled the cover a bit higher around me. Perhaps I should change the subject, we’d been talking for over an hour already. I still didn’t fully understand her new beliefs, she tiptoed around it quite a bit, focusing on the friendships and chaotic confrontation with that intruding cult instead. However, I was dying to know about one more thing and we hadn’t even broached the touchy subject…

  “So about The Cl- I mean, Marcus…”

  She groaned, dropping her head back into the comforter.

  A ping saved her. “Time to pick your destination ladies.” Jin’s voice announced over the comm.

  “We’ll be right there,” I said, hauling myself from my cushy nest.

  Nia dragged herself up, and caressed her stomach. Discomfort wormed through me. If someone communicates directly with the Monstravi, it changes their very DNA, altering them on a physical and mental level. She claimed it called to her. Maybe the transformation was slow, but I had yet to spot anything eerie like spider legs or glinting eyes. She still had those markings on her arms, iridescent swirls climbing up, but was that all that’s changed? They were surprisingly pretty, delicate even.

  “Let’s go.” She jarred me out of my thoughts as she stepped into the hallway. It was early afternoon by Erizon time but on the ship, they seemed to have their own rotation schedule. Some of the crew were out and about on duty, others were eating and laughing in the kitchen as we passed by. This ship was large enough to host of a crew of a hundred and it teemed with life. We made our way to the captain’s office, where Jin was waiting for us.

  In front of the large windows along the wall was a holo of three different planets spinning along. I didn’t recognize them, but I didn’t bother to stay up to date since I never really left our planet. Recognition lit up Nia’s face though.

  “Is that K121? I was eyeing that one, but have so little intel on it.”

  Jin waved to the planet on the left. It was a bit smaller than the other two, with swirling dark grey and purple clouds over the entire sphere. “Correct, K121 is being drilled by Drexler Industries for energy resources. They are very tight lipped about it. Next to nothing has been shared about the planet itself either. All we know is that it has extensive oceans, with very rough weather due to its two moons. Not a fun place to live, so no settlers have bothered to explore. It’s remote enough to meet your hiding criteria that’s for sure.”

  I nodded. Probably not fun with all those hurricanes I could see swirling among the clouds. “How far out?”

  “About a thirty hour flight. Next up is X427.” He pointed at the middle planet. It was a rusty red color and looked to be primarily land mass. “Not a lot of water or plant life here, too close to the star, thus again a lack of settlers, some miners present though. Also a good hiding spot. About two weeks out.” He stepped up to the last planet on the right. It was larger than the other two with only one moon and a pretty even mix between water and land. In fact, it somewhat resembled Earth. “This is Nouvalis. It’s M class but is under quarantine.”

  I frowned, but Nia beat me to it, “Quarantine for what? That sounds too risky.”

  “The rumor is there has been a mass evacuation in the past two years, but they are keeping a tight seal on communication. We’re not sure why, it could be war, weather, or predatory fauna for all we know. We’d have to get closer to get more intel. It’s the farthest, a three week journey.”

  “These are all pretty close, shouldn’t we go further?” I asked.

  Jin turned toward us, scratching at his scraggly jaw. “You could, but you would be getting into our neighbors territory. They make us look like a warm welcoming crew in comparison. We have eyes, and guns in our solar system. Leave it and you lose some defenses.”

  I wasn’t really keen on traveling too far from home anyways. The three of us contemplated the three planets. Where would the Guardians look for us first? Probably the M class or the mining planet. No one wants to be on a planet torn apart by hurricanes. That’s not exactly where one goes to settle down and start a new life. Nia was eyeing K121 as well.

  Jin noted our gazes. “I hope you packed something waterproof.”