Chapter 1
Two-white-orbed eyes stared into hers; the only thing that dimly lit the elevator. There was a buzzing sound that consumed the silence.
“Name?” A voice—not human, robotic—sounded from her right.
“Finley Soren” She responded in a monotone. It’s been a while... but she was used to the protocols, the questions of her identity, it was just thorough work and security measures. Didn’t make it any less boring though.
“Age?”
“19,” she grew impatient, “Are we done?”
“Yes, Lieutenant General Soren. General Xander requests your presence on Boarding Doc 97.” A voice she finally knew answered happily.
“Thank you, Rena.” Rena was a program of course, but at least she was a program with personality... with feeling; something no other programs had... well here at the Boarding.
“Your welcome Lieutenant. Glad to see you back.”
The white eyes disappeared leaving Fin in darkness for a millisecond before the doors of the elevator opened, letting light break through and blind Fin for a hot second.
She rubbed at her eyes in an attempt to get her eyes to adjust. The sound of metal connecting with metal consumed the buzzing sound of the elevator, as a view of robots and soldiers moved up and down the busy doc. Some sat down in circles laughing together: others were below or above working on jets and planes. Most bore their famous squadron suits of gold and black; others in more elegant officer uniforms.
A sharp pain rendered her arm numb for two seconds. Stop standing around. You’ll draw attention. She looked down at her arms, her hands. They were shaking.
“Oh, Lieutenant!” A young bubbly voice cheered from her right, as she made her way out of the elevator. Her head snapped to the voice, a smile immediately plastered onto her face.
“Ella,” She braced her long-time friend in a strong hug. The girl smelled of roses... something she hadn’t got the luxury to smell for a long time. God, she missed Ella; her smile and laugh and everything; she just missed it. “What’d I tell you about the titles. You know you don’t need to call me that?”
Ella pulled back an arm’s length, holding Finley’s shoulders. It’d be a while since she’d actually seen Ella in her physical form. She didn’t look much different; just the blonde hair was longer and the smile was brighter. She was pretty sure Ella was a Captain now but she wasn’t sure.
“I know, but it’s just fun to say. Lieutenant General Finley.” Drawing out the ley at the end.
“Ew.” She chuckled as she pulled Ella back into the hug.
“You okay Fin?” Finley didn’t want to answer the question that she’d been asking herself for what felt like ages. She wanted to forget everything and just get back to her normal job.
“Yeah I’m okay,” she backed up and faked a smile hoping it’d be convincing enough, “The Gen asked for me him so I should probably get going before ya know... how he is.” Ella patted her on the shoulder.
“Alright. Promise to come find me later?”
“Yeah of course. See you.”
She turned away and continued to Doc 97.
---
Before she could knock, the door slid open, revealing General Xander sitting at his desk. He was on the younger side like Fin, not past his 40′s. He wore his the finner Officer Uniform which held multiple gold medals.
“Lieutenant General Soren,” he paused to look up at the young girl, “pleasure to see you again. Please come in.”
Finley stepped through the door, gliding her hand over the door frame. You’re okay. You’re here. “General, you requested my presence.”
She stood there for a few more seconds; looking past the General. She saw beautiful clouds. Clouds of blue and grey, the orange sun behind them... rising. They were so high up from the poisonous ground, she was sure she didn’t know how she didn’t faint from her fear.
“Yes,” he ushered her towards the chair, “sit.”
She did as told, taking the seat in front of her. It was leather, cold, yet comfortable.
“How are you?” She was taken back by the question. It wasn’t the normal cold harsh tone, it was calm and warm and it seemed like he actually meant what he was asking.
“I-I’m good.” She tried to sound confident. She wasn’t sure if she was good, but the counselor seemed to be sure she was alright.
“You sure?” he looked up into her eyes. She snapped her eyes down to her hands which sat in her lap. Don’t shake, don’t shake. ”The counsellor signed off, however, I wanted to make sure.”
Fin looked up, her breath steadying as she spoke, “Thank you for being so caring, I am indeed okay. I’m ready to be of service again.”
He took another minute to look at her. It felt like his eyes were burning into her like at any moment he would be able to see all her doubts and worries. After what seemed like a decade, maybe even an eternity, he spoke.
“Alright,” he stood grabbing a case from the top of his desk, “I’ve assigned you a case with a criminal, Aija Roukasy. She’s a prisoner, and one of the pilots of the Castile.”
Great.
