[A.N: Sorry for the lack of updates for the past few weeks. I had exams and came home to see my home after several months apart. Enjoyed my time, Thanks for asking]
Sylas stared at himself in the mirror as he adjusted the collar of his coat. The fabric shimmered under the room's lighting—a deep black dress interwoven with threads of gold that caught the light.
The suit was clearly from another era, retrieved from one of the forgotten ships Akashia had sent to them.
Its design was elegant, noble, the kind of attire worn by highborn merchants or planetary dignitaries.
He flexed his fingers inside the matching gloves, half-expecting the suit to crumble or even tear from age. Instead, it felt impossibly new, like it had been waiting just for him.
"You're going to crease the sleeves if you keep fussing," came a voice from the corner.
Sera stepped into view, her humanoid form as beautiful as ever. Her eyes glowed a softly as she tilted her head, scanning him with a slight smirk.
"It's almost time," she said, tone gentle but precise.
Sylas smiled faintly as he spun around. "How do I look?"
Sera gave him a once-over, arms folded with mock consideration. "You could wear rags and still look handsome talk less of such beautiful clothes. You look so gorgeous, a lot of ladies are definitely going to drop their skirts for you, married or not."
A subtle glimmer of mischief passed through her expression. "Unfair, really for their partner."
He chuckled. "I wish you could come with me."
"I know," she replied. Her tone softened, almost wistful. "But until we find a good alternative for my power source, I'm grounded. If I leave the planet for too long, I risk complete shutdown—and I have no interest in becoming a very expensive pile of debris." She winked.
Sylas laughed, shaking his head. "I'll hold you to that. You staying intact."
"I always do."
He paused, glancing at her again. "Tell me about the destination."
"You're heading to Caerostis Prime," she replied, the name rolling off her tongue. "A Capital Planet. The closest trade centre to us and really it is also one of the few in the Chaotic space. Markets from a thousand worlds, political agents, criminal syndicates, corporate envoys—every power has a stake there. It's chaotic, corrupt, and rich with opportunity."
"Sounds like my kind of place," Sylas muttered.
Sera continued, "I'll keep debriefing you during the journey."
"And my escort?" Sylas asked as he walked beside her.
"I assigned ten of our best men," she replied. "Lucan will be leading them. You trust him, don't you?"
"Well... they are just there for formalities either way," Sylas nodded.
By now, the pair had reached the shipyard—the open-air cradle in front of the command centre.
A sleek black vessel that looked like it had been carved from night itself. Its surface was freshly polished, its Aether engines pulsing gently ready for take off.
The soldiers stepped back as Sylas approached clearing a straight path for him, as the doors slowly opened and steps slowly descended.
Sera looked at him with a slight smile. "You know what you have to do."
Sylas nodded, eyes on the ship. "And I'll do it."
She gave a half-bow. "Then have fun."
Sylas watched her leave before he turned to the armoured soldiers waiting for him and inspected them.
The armour they were wearing was a mix of futuristic, tactical armour and ceremonial dress, featuring a sleek black base with reinforced segments and metallic accents in gold and red, highlighting their elite status.
The helmet is fully enclosed with a glowing visor, integrated with advanced tech likely used for enhanced vision or communication.
Armoured plating is strategically placed along the torso, limbs, and joints, providing both mobility and protection.
They saluted Sylas and he nodded back at them as he stepped into the spaceship, and they immediately followed him in.
*******
{A few hours later}
Sylas stood by the wide viewing port in his cabin on the ship, arms crossed behind his back, eyes fixed on the massive planet that now filled the window as soft background music played.
Caerostis Prime.
It loomed like the head of a massive titan, it was of similar size as his planet or perhaps slightly larger. It was covered with glowing lights from buildings and greeneries from trees and plants.
Millions of hover shuttles darted around the cities like insects and several spaceships could be seen coming in and out of the planet.
Even from this distance, the planet breathed commerce—chaotic and loud.
A voice crackled faintly through his bracelet.
"What do you think?" Sera's voice, familiar and warm, though fractured now and then by digital static. The strain of keeping a connection this far from her core was already evident.
Sylas didn't answer at first. He watched as a convoy of ships descended toward one of the floating arcology platforms.
Finally, he exhaled. "It's... too chaotic. I prefer something more quiet. Something with more greenery than metals."
Sera hummed softly on the line. "You mean something like home."
He didn't reply, but he didn't need to. The forests reminded him of home, something he didn't want to forget. It brought him close to his family even though they are gone.
A sharp knock echoed from the cabin door. Lucan's voice followed. "My Lord, We're making our final descent. You'll want to get ready."
"Understood."
Sylas pressed a finger to his bracelet and turned toward the door. As he walked, he slid a sleek earpiece into place—custom-linked to Sera. This way, their conversation remained between them, without anyone listening.
The main corridor was already active. Crew and escort moved with the calm precision of trained professionals.
Ahead, the viewport showed their destination: a landing platform extending out from a sprawling building shaped like a starfish—a massive orbital restaurant built to entertain, negotiate, and flaunt wealth.
The ship settled on the pad with a soft lurch. Landing struts locked in, and hydraulic arms clamped to the hull.
Sylas stepped forward and gave his orders without pause. "Two of you, with me. Two remain on the ship to guard it. Lucan, you take the rest and follow Sera's assignments. You know the objectives."
Lucan nodded. "Yes My Lord. The moment the deal's done, please signal us."
Sylas turned slightly, his voice low. "Sera, you have a line to them, right?"
Her voice crackled briefly, then steadied. "Always. I'll coordinate their movements directly. Focus on your end—make the deal with Tarren."
He nodded once, firm and focused. "Then let's begin."
The ship's hatch hissed open, revealing a smooth platform bathed in amber light. The air was warm, scented with spices and metal.
As Sylas stepped out, flanked by his guards, the spaceship lifted up behind him, rising smoothly before vanishing into the city haze.