Page 90 of Stars in Halo

Their guns were just as immense as their physiques, and they strode with an air of authority that was both intimidating and reassuring.

The DKRT unit leader stepped forward, his voice rumbling like thunder as he addressed them. ‘Welcome, friends of Khani Soren and the Khosana. My name is Zoran DKRT, and I’m Duke’s second cousin.’

He glanced at Katya and acknowledged her in Ccyth fashion with a formal bow and a click of his booted heels.

She dropped a curtsy, surprising herself. Zoran’s greeting was a kindness she didn’t usually receive from her fellow Ccyth, given her family’s notorious and lowly pleb status.

Her reception here was all due to Xion and the massive favours he was pulling on her behalf.

Overwhelmed, she shared a small smile with the Rider.

His severe expression dropped for a moment, and a glint of warmth sparked in his mocha-jade eyes, sending her heart into a spin.

He turned to march after Zoran down the dim-lit corridors of the freighter.

Katya kept up while marvelling at the advanced state-of-the-art weaponry on display along the ship’s walls, which were lined with weapon racks, each more impressive than the last.

Although a Ccyth herself, her House had none of the bells and whistles of a menage aligned with the royal family.

It was like she was stepping into a different world. The ship was a marvel of technology, sleek and efficient, with a power that hummed beneath the surface.

She followed Xion down the corridor as Zoran led them to a generous conference room, the walls adorned with holographic displays of the freighter’s systems and equipment.

‘Welcome, sit,’ the DKRT Head of Security announced. ‘There’s tea, kahawa, snacks. Let’s talk tactics.’

He wasn’t a man given to chatter, and Katya respected his blunt approach. They sat down, and the Ccyth soldier got down to business, analysing maps and data projections.

Xion began by outlining their objective: to infiltrate the fortified compound where Katya’s children and loved ones were being held.

Zoran listened, grunting on occasion.

‘That sounds like a solid plan,’ he said at last. ‘We have a crew of experienced fighters, and we can provide additional support. But we need to move with care. Contrary to what Duke told you, it won’t be a simple waltz in and demand for what we want in the name of the Khosana DKRT. House ALMQ has become increasingly hostile in recent weeks due to the rapidly deteriorating political landscape in Iccythria. He’s amassing an army, and I suspect they’ll fight back. We can’t afford to underestimate them.’

‘I’ll go in first,’ Xion murmured. ‘I can move at high speed due to my metanoids. I’ll conduct a reccie and send whatever intel I find on their location. I’ll then provide a distraction at the front of the complex while you retrieve the kids via the back. We’ll need at least ten to fifteen of your guards to manage at minimum two children each.’

He turned to Katya. ‘You’ll stay on board to welcome and keep them quiet. I don’t want any screaming to alert anyone out of the ordinary.’

Katya nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. ‘I can do that,’ she said, trying to sound confident despite her nerves.

She understood the risk but trusted the Rider’s and Ccyth’s proficiency.

Zoran jerked his chin. ‘Very well. It won’t be easy, but I believe in our crew.’

He gestured to the display, and Xion and Katya stood up to look closer.

They examined the compound’s layout, noting the defensive structures and identifying possible entry points.

Katya listened in, attempting not to give in to worry as their strategy unfolded.

Still, a frisson of fear hit her. This was going to be a dangerous operation, and she worried for the lives of her loved ones.

The ship lifted out of their hiding place in the valley and headed toward the secure complex due south of LeCythi.

Xion was calm, aided by Zoran’s quiet confidence and the state-of-the-art vessel they were aboard.

It was nimble and equipped with advanced stealth technology, allowing them to navigate to the location with relative ease.

The hostages were being held in a secure house, a small underground facility at the foot of an active volcano that spewed ash and lava high into the sky.

---