Chapter 15

As we further extend our respective nations into the cosmos, we risk losing control of our colonists. In a few generations, we may face dozens of splinter states vying for independence inside our territories. Together, we can coordinate our navies into an effective police force to maintain order across the explored galaxy. I know this will be difficult, but if we don't want to be forgotten, we must tighten the grip on our planets.

-American ambassador Allison Barkley at a NATO/Eastern Alliance conference, August 22nd, 2123 CE

"WHAT'S YOUR NAME?"

"Shut up," said Teth, tightening the bandage around his shoulder.

"That's a weird name," the Hunter Guard said. Teth had made him ditch his armor and weapons, so he leaned against the alley wall wearing a black jumpsuit. "Mine's Royce. Royce Collins."

"Don't care," Teth said. "You tried to kill me. Help me find my sister and maybe I won't do the same to you."

"A fair deal."

The bandage's knot came loose, and the cloth slid down Teth's arm, revealing the long gouge where the Hunter Guard's bullet had grazed him. "Dammit."

"Here," said Royce, squatting and grabbing the bandage before Teth had a chance to tell him to back off. "Let me."

Royce quickly cinched the bandage tightly in the right place, giving Teth a quick, harmless smile in the process.

"Thanks," Teth said tonelessly, rising back to his feet.

"You're welcome."

"Why are you so calm?" Teth asked. "Make no mistake, you're my hostage, or prisoner, or whatever you'd like to be called. We're not friends."

"Don't know," Royce shrugged. "My dad always said I was talkative when the shit hit the fan. Must be a defense mechanism."

"Well, it's annoying."

"Apologies."

"Okay," Teth gestured forward. "Enough. Lead the way to the base."

"Roger," Royce said, setting off at a brisk pace, making several quick turns. Teth followed easily. He'd grown up on these streets.

"I'm curious," Royce said. "How do you plan on getting your sister when we make it to the base? I know for a fact we have at least three automated turrets on standby specifically designed to kill people like you."

"I don't know," Teth replied. "I'll find a way."

Of that, Teth was certain. Nothing was going to stop him from getting to Pyra. He only hoped he could reach her before she left the planet. If he couldn't, wellhe didn't want to think about it.

"How far are we?" Teth asked.

"Not far. Just a few moreª"

They stepped onto an open street, and six Hunter Guards marched into view, blocking the path forward. As they leveled their rifles, Teth wrapped his arm around Royce's neck and pulled him back.

"Shoot and I'll kill him!" Teth shouted, electrifying his free arm.

"He will!" Royce said. "Don't shoot!"

The Hunter Guards didn't lower their rifles, instead parting for a new man, this one wearing a crisp officer's uniform. The man was bald, his sharp face clean-shaven, his hand resting casually on the pistol holstered at his side.

"High Captain Norse!" Royce said. "Please, don't shoot. I'm sure we can work this out."

"Collins, is it?" Norse asked, tapping the butt of his pistol. "You let a Remnant capture you, strip you of your uniform, and talk you into bargaining for his life?"

"Sirª"

Norse held up a hand and Royce stopped talking. Teth tried to keep an eye on the six other Hunter Guards, who still had their rifles pointed directly at him. However, as much as Teth loathed the New Human Sovereignty military, he couldn't keep his eyes off Norse. The man's mere presence seemed to command respect, and Teth felt himself losing a little of his nerve.

"As far as I'm concerned," Norse continued. "You have failed as a member of the Hunter Guard forces and as a citizen of the New Human Sovereignty. I don't think any of the fine soldiers assembled here today would have any reservations about putting a bullet in your head. Am I correct?"

"Sir, yes, sir!" the six Hunter Guards said in unison.

A trickle of sweat ran down Teth's back.

"Please!" Royce said, sagging under Teth's grip. "Don't do this."

"Ready!" Norse called, and the Hunter Guards steadied their footing.

"Aim!"

"Damn it," Teth said, tossing Royce aside and igniting a sheath of electricity over his body.

"Firª"

A screeching noise suddenly filled the air, and both the Hunter Guards and Teth looked upward to see a ball of fire careening towards them at high speed.

"Take cover!" Norse shouted, and Teth found himself following the man's orders as he dove into an alleyway. Royce followed suit, landing beside Teth, fear and anger mixing together in his puffy eyes.

The screeching noise grew deafening, and Teth pressed his forehead to the ground seconds before the world around him exploded.