We don't want hiccups

Boo-10 Imperial space station

AH population 

Atlas sat with his sister and best friend later that night as they talked about that night's events. 

Atlas seemed worried for some reason despite the fact that no one had been seriously hurt from the accident; despite the fact that action had been taken to get to the bottom of whoever was responsible. 

"This is beyond a technical malfunction," Atlas said. "This was a conscious and premeditated attempt."

"On your life, I'm sure," Cassius said.

"There have been several attempts on my life," Atlas said. "This is just unacceptable. So many people could have lost their lives if they weren't evacuated in time."

"Atlas, just take it easy," Azure said. "We're grateful we made it out fine. This is not the first time there has been a technical issue. It is one of the hazards of living in space- there is an implicit understanding that-"

"-People could have got terribly hurt-" Atlas was saying. 

"-Like the alien, for example," Cassius cut in.

Atlas and Azure turned to look at him, distracted from their earlier preoccupation with their argument.

Atlas burned a gaze into his best friend.

"I mean, everyone had made it out before the last fatal strike," Cassius continued. "You would have made it well ahead, but that you went back for her. Is that why you're mad? That she could have lost her life?"

"Anyone else could have been in her position," Atlas said. "Anyone else could have lost their lives on this platform. That is what is unacceptable."

"Then chill," Azure said. "We're dealing with the problem. We've recovered the rogue ship. We're tracing its tracks down to the production site. We will get to the bottom of who had ordered the ship and had sent it here. Okay?"

Atlas nodded. "I need to get some sleep," he said. "You both should too. We've had a long evening."

Cassius got up. "Have a safe trip tomorrow," he said. 

He inclined his head towards Azure and she gave him a quick smile. "I'll see you in a bit."

Cassius nodded and headed for the doors. In seconds, he was gone.

Atlas rose from his sitting position at the small meeting table and headed for a cushion far across his lodge. From a table of glass and soft metal, he took a glass of drink.  

"Get some sleep, Azure," he said. 

"The...thing you have for that alien should end," Azure said. 

"What thing?" Atlas asked. 

"It becomes more obvious by the day." Azure sighed. "You know how this works. Your infatuation phases. Suddenly she's all you see and then later, you grow tired and then you realise it was nothing. You cannot go through the motions this time. You have a marriage on the horizon with the daughter of the governor of Trenox. You don't want to mess this up."

Atlas shook his head. "I frankly don't see this from your point of view, sister," Atlas said. "All I did was go back to help her. I would have put my life on the line still if it had been anyone else in her place. Would you suppose I left her to be vented off to space?"

Azure shook her head. "I- I don't know with you," she said. "But this gives me concern. I saw the way you looked at her at the passageway soon after you pulled her in- like she was the most precious thing in the world. Just remember this: she's not the one you're marrying. The Trenox princess is. And if you nurse any serious feelings for the alien, then the Council of Representatives will have you for breakfast. We don't need an imperial scandal with all that is going on presently."

"I assumed you and her were good friends," Atlas said. "From what I hear about you from her, I'm convinced I'm the demon."

"She's an excellent pilot and very smart too," Dione said. "I like her. But don't play with her. We have just two weeks to the wedding. We don't want hiccups."

"Of course," Atlas said. "Not with all the grand plans you've been putting in place already. You're enjoying this."

Azure laughed for the first time that night. "I am excited. My brother's getting married."

She got up. "I'll see you when you arrive. We'll pay mother a visit then."

Atlas watched her go. "When I'm back, I want names. One name at least. Someone has to take responsibility for what happened tonight and I will make sure they do."

Azure nodded and left.