the starborn legacy

The shuttle limped through the void, its engines sputtering but holding. Liora leaned against the viewport, her breath fogging the glass. The swirling remnants of the derelict Starborn ship still glimmered faintly in the nebula behind them, a stark reminder of the path she'd chosen.

"We need repairs," Kade said, breaking the silence. His voice carried a note of exhaustion, but his hands were steady as he navigated the battered craft.

Liora nodded absently. Her thoughts were consumed by Kyren's words, the lingering hum of the beacon's activation still buzzing in her veins. Somewhere out there, others like her would hear the call—if they hadn't already.

"Nearest outpost is a trading hub on Vrelkar," Kade continued. "Not exactly a friendly port, but it'll have what we need."

"And what will it cost us?" Liora asked, turning to face him.

Kade shrugged. "Depends on how much of our cargo you're willing to trade. Or how well you can bluff."

Before Liora could respond, the shuttle jolted violently, throwing her into the console. Alarms blared, and Kade cursed under his breath.

"What now?" she demanded, gripping the edge of her seat.

"Gravitational snare," Kade growled, his hands flying across the controls. "Someone's got us in their sights."

Liora's stomach churned as the shuttle was dragged out of its trajectory. Through the viewport, a massive vessel emerged from the shadows—a sleek, black ship adorned with crimson markings that pulsed like veins.

"That's no scavenger," Kade muttered, his face pale.

Liora felt a cold dread settle over her. "Imperial?"

"Worse," Kade said. "Pirates."

The shuttle shuddered as it was forced into a docking bay aboard the pirate ship. The moment the engines powered down, Kade grabbed his blaster, and Liora followed suit, her heart pounding.

"Stay close," he said, his voice low but firm.

The airlock hissed open, and a squad of heavily armed figures stormed in. Their leader—a tall woman with cybernetic implants etched across her face—stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with predatory curiosity.

"Well, well," she drawled. "What do we have here? A stolen Imperial shuttle and two stray stars trying to outshine their betters."

Liora tightened her grip on her weapon but held her ground. "We don't want trouble."

The woman laughed, a cold, sharp sound. "You're on my ship, little star. Trouble is all you've found."

Kade shifted subtly, positioning himself between Liora and the pirates. "Look, we're just passing through. Let us go, and we'll make it worth your while."

The leader raised an eyebrow. "Oh, I think you'll make it worth my while either way. That shuttle of yours is Imperial-grade. The bounty alone could buy me a new fleet."

Liora's mind raced. They couldn't fight their way out, not against odds like this. But then she remembered Kyren's words—the beacon would draw allies. Could it also draw enemies?

"What's your name?" Liora asked, surprising herself with the steadiness of her voice.

The woman's gaze flicked to her, intrigued. "Captain Ezi Velka. And you are?"

Liora hesitated but decided honesty—or something close to it—was their best chance. "Liora Veylan. And I think we can help each other."

Ezi's cybernetic eye whirred as it focused on Liora. "Oh? And how's that?"

Liora took a step forward, ignoring Kade's warning glance. "You know what I am, don't you?" She raised her hand, letting the faint glow of the Sigil shine through.

The pirates muttered among themselves, and Ezi's expression shifted from amusement to something more guarded. "A Starborn," she said softly.

Liora nodded. "The Empire hunts me, and now you've got them breathing down your neck too. But if you help us, I can promise you something they never could: freedom."

Ezi's lips curled into a slow smile. "Freedom, huh? That's a bold promise for someone with a bounty on her head."

"It's not just about me," Liora pressed. "The Starborn's return isn't just a legend—it's happening. And if you're smart, you'll want to be on the right side of history."

For a long moment, Ezi said nothing. The tension in the air was palpable, the pirate crew waiting for their captain's decision.

Finally, Ezi nodded. "Alright, little star. You've got my attention. But if you're lying, there won't be enough of you left for the Empire to find."

Liora exhaled, relief flooding through her. "Deal."

"Good," Ezi said, turning to her crew. "Prep the shuttle for repairs and get us to Vrelkar. We've got a lot to discuss."

As the pirates dispersed, Kade leaned close to Liora, his voice low. "You really think we can trust her?"

"No," Liora admitted. "But right now, we don't have a choice."