What lays behind the door
14 Apr 2024Ryuko Ntsikana
What lays behind the door
Colonia Region
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Kagehiro stood looking impassively at the empty hangar space where a minor asset had once housed his ships and accessories. The dock master's records showed no transfer orders, nor did any of his automated assets have any records about this hangar. Traffic control was also absent of any records of any departures from the platform above.
His security specialist and their artificial assistants had scoured the systems thoroughly but had yet to find any evidence of unauthorized access or tampering.
For Kagehiro, the disappearance of the assets was not as concerning as the method of their removal. He was a seasoned pirate and bounty hunter, accustomed to sneaking around small planetary facilities and interdicting ships, not orchestrating ghostly heists at major orbital stations. His female companion, however, remained an enigma; she seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, with no past record. It was unlikely she could have executed such a feat alone and so quickly.
Sakura, Kagehiro’s assistant, was all about immediate results. She had already ordered the arrest, detention, and interrogation of several managerial personnel. Kagehiro knew this meant torture and execution, regardless of their actual knowledge. Sakura’s method of sending a message was brutal but effective, particularly useful when market values needed adjustment or when rivals or greedy legislators demanded more than usual.
Her towering, tattoo-covered assistant stood statue-like next to her as she surveyed the scene with a chilling glare.
“Find him and display his skin at the shipping entrance of this station.”
Kagehiro kept his expression neutral, glancing sideways at Sakura.
“Do not harm his female assistant. Instead, bring her to me. I have other plans for her.”
Sakura, though visibly irritated, turned to her boss, who simply nodded toward the void around them.
“She appeared healthy, free from deformity or disease—a suitable new attraction to boost the morale of our employees.”
***
Almost every major shipbuilder was represented in the cavernous hangar of the capital ship. Toward the far end, Ryuko could make out his Python and Vulture class ships, alongside storage crates housing the additional modules he had transported to this sector, all secured neatly against the far bulkhead. Tara, wary of the situation, watched as both android and human workers moved between various ships, servicing them. Aby stood motionless in front of Ryuko as a squad of black-armored soldiers approached, flanking a well-dressed lady within their ranks.
She surveyed each member of the party with a pleasant smile, her gaze finally settling on Tara.
“If you would follow me, Mr. Ntsikana, and guest.”
Silenced by the moment, neither Ryuko nor Tara spoke as the guards made way for them to pass. The lady turned and began walking toward a distant elevator. Ryuko was taken aback by her lack of introduction and her casual departure. Nevertheless, Aby started to follow her, with Ryuko and Tara in tow.
Tara tilted her head towards Ryuko, who was inspecting the security sensors near the elevator doors.
“Feels more like an execution than a meet and greet,” she whispered.
Ryuko nodded in agreement, aware that if their deaths had been intended, they wouldn’t have survived the recent encounter with the hunter and their Cutter.
The silent lady maintained her forward gaze during the elevator ride and the subsequent walk down the corridor, flanked by armored security.
The double doors of a conference room at the corridor's end stood open. The lady bowed in an imperial manner, inviting them inside with a subtle smile.
The woman from the hologram awaited them at the end of a large table, clad in a simple flight suit devoid of any markings.
“I am Zaria Woodard, a representative of your benefactor,” she introduced herself with an Imperial bow, inviting them to sit.
Ryuko gently tapped Tara’s arm, pulling out a chair for her before taking his own. Aby remained by the door, which he quietly shut.
Zaria’s smile was brief as she regarded them both. “Let me commend your choice of companions, as unique as this sector of space. Tell me, has your adaptive AI begun to exhibit emotional traits beyond mere mimicry?”
Ryuko detected Tara’s internal turmoil despite her composed exterior.
“Do not be alarmed that I am aware of your secret," Zaria continued. "The unique requirements of your design and the credits transferred for your transportation here have piqued our interest. We are eager to see how you develop.”
Ryuko leaned back, glancing at Aby.
“He has performed his role efficiently,” he noted.
Zaria chuckled, raising a hand. “Indeed, but he is not our sole informant. We are keen to observe how Miss Tara evolves. She resembles another individual who transitioned from human to synthetic.”
Ryuko mirrored Aby’s characteristic head tilt. “I, too, am curious about where the line between mimicry and genuine emotion lies.”
Zaria's chuckle filled the room. “It’s fascinating that you are forming an emotional bond and pondering whether she can reciprocate.”
She leaned forward, focusing on Tara, who met her gaze with a neutral expression.
“Would you like me to explain further, or shall we continue our discussion?”
Caught in the gravity of the situation, Tara remained silent, her eyes locked on Zaria, who turned back to Ryuko.
“She is overwhelmed, caught between her protective directives and emerging neural pathways. If she had a real heart, it would be racing. Fortunately, her design spares her from such physical discomfort.”
Ryuko turned to Tara, realization dawning on him. "So, these are genuine emotions, not just mimicry."
“Yes,” Tara confirmed tersely.
Zaria’s smile persisted. “Rest assured, your secret is safe with us. You share similarities with another unique individual I know. Should you need guidance in this uncharted territory, I am here to help.”
Ryuko’s curiosity peaked. “And who might this individual be?”
Zaria leaned back, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. “The wife of your benefactor, the mother of their child, shares her essence.”
Tara's intense gaze softened slightly as Ryuko slammed his hands on the table in astonishment. “They have a child?”
“Yes,” Zaria nodded, her laughter lightening the mood. “Through advanced technology, they conceived and birthed a healthy boy.”
The revelation overwhelmed Ryuko, who had never contemplated a future involving love or family. His life as a pirate and bounty hunter had not left room for such dreams. Now, presented with the possibility of a different life alongside Tara, he was staggered.
“Out here, such a life is possible, unlike in the bubble where you’d be hunted for Tara’s existence,” Zaria reassured.
Ryuko stood abruptly, the weight of the revelation too much to process in one sitting. “This is a lot to take in. I thought we were here for something entirely different.”
Zaria nodded understandingly. “This isn’t why you’re here, but it’s an option worth considering after I outline your benefactor’s wishes.”
Tara’s voice, though still low, carried a hint of curiosity. “What are these desires?”
Zaria’s smile widened as she gestured to Aby, who stepped forward. “Your benefactor wishes for you both to start anew. Tara, with her emerging emotions, and you, free from past constraints, are to be consultants here. This ship could be your new home, or anywhere you choose.”
Tara looked up at Ryuko, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.
“I’ve always known piracy and bounty hunting,” Ryuko confessed, struggling to see his place in this new arrangement.
Zaria’s response came with a knowing smile. “Who better to ensure the security of new ventures here than a pirate? Your skills in navigating these murky waters are invaluable for protecting shipments and training others.”
“So, we continue to pirate?” Ryuko asked, a glimmer of his old self shining through.
“If that’s what you choose,” Zaria replied, her smile unfaltering. “All he asks is that you share your knowledge and help train those who will join you in safeguarding this sector’s future.”
The discussion opened a door to a future Ryuko had never imagined, one where his past could be a foundation for something greater, something shared with another. Someone else, that in his lifetime he thought would end way too soon for such pleasantries was now a possibility.