Page 2

Chapter Two

C allie

“Invalid registration. Security alert initiated.” The words cut through the registration hall like a blade, and I watch in horror as armed security forces emerge from hidden alcoves—more than seem necessary for a simple paperwork issue.

The security force’s polished black armor reflects the harsh overhead lights as they surround Aries at the biometrics area.

His expression remains carefully neutral as they bind his wrists with energy cuffs, but those amber eyes flash with something that looks like resignation. Like he’s been waiting for this moment.

The scent of metal and ozone from the energy cuffs mingles with the smell of dozens of species in the registration hall.

My fingers dig into the edge of the portable communications console where I’ve been monitoring the registration process.

I shouldn’t even be here—my duties don’t require it—but something drew me to this spot today, like a moth to a flame.

“What’s happening?” Captain Zar-Rynn demands, pushing through the crowd of waiting gladiators.

His golden fur bristles, tail lashing with agitation as he faces down the security team.

His fangs flash in the light, reminding me that despite his generally kind nature, he can tear someone to pieces, and doesn’t need a weapon to do so .

The head security officer, a stern-faced female with pale-blue skin, consults her datapad.

The glow illuminates the harsh angles of her face as she speaks.

“This fighter is wanted on Garrox Prime for a Class One homicide. The charges were filed annums ago, but extradition was delayed while he remained in active slavery. Now that his current legal status has changed, Garrox Prime is demanding immediate transfer for execution. We’ll check his biometrics again, but if the data doesn’t change, the sentence is death. ”

The words hit like a physical blow. My fingers race across my datapad, already pulling up everything I can find about Garrox Prime’s legal system.

Five years aboard these ships have taught me skills I never imagined needing back on Earth. What started as basic communication duties has expanded into research, analysis, and even combat training in the ludus .

I may have been a helpless tech support worker when the Urluts first abducted me, but now I can field-strip a weapon and decode encrypted transmissions in hundreds of languages.

The registration hall fades to background noise as information scrolls past, my heart pounding in sync with each new detail revealed.

“There must be some mistake,” Captain Beast argues, his massive green form towering over the security detail. The golden rings in his nose glint as he steps forward, using his intimidating presence to full effect. “Aries has been with our crew for annums . He’s a legitimate fighter.”

“The DNA scan confirms his identity,” the officer states flatly. A subtle movement brings her team closer, hands hovering near their weapons. “He’s been living under an alias. His real name is—”

“Don’t.” Aries’ voice cuts through the chaos, quiet but firm. “Please.”

Something in his tone makes everyone fall silent. Even the security officers pause, perhaps sensing the weight of whatever’s coming next. The air feels thick with tension, like the moment before a storm breaks.

“I killed someone,” he continues, shoulders straight despite the restraints. The admission sends shockwaves through the gathered crews. In five years, he’s never spoken of his past. Never given any hint of what drove him to join the gladiator circuit.

I feel… nothing. It’s as though I’m outside my body, watching the scene from far away.

“Captain,” his voice remains steady, though something dark flickers behind his eyes, “I’m sorry for bringing this trouble to the crew.”

“No!” Captain Zar-Rynn’s tail has stopped its agitated lashing, now hanging perfectly still. When he speaks again, his voice carries the quiet authority that once united two ships of escaped slaves into a family. “We’re not doing this. Not accepting this without a fight.”

The security team moves Aries toward the exit. Captain Beast steps forward, but Aries shakes his head. “Don’t make this worse, brother.”

“The holding facility permits legal counsel,” the Sanctorii officer states, perhaps sensing the crew’s mounting tension. “You have three standard hours to arrange representation before processing begins.”

Captain Zar-Rynn’s glance sweeps over our assembled crew members. “Everyone back to the Galaxy Warrior . Now!”

The hurried trip back to our ship feels endless as I finally slip back into my body.

My chest feels as though it’s gripped in the jaws of a monster, each breath a struggle against the tightening vise.

The image of Aries in restraints, his face resigned to his fate, burns behind my eyelids every time I blink .

For five years, I’ve convinced myself I felt nothing for him except the desire to keep my distance, but the pain swirling in my gut tells a different story. Something buried deep—something I’ve refused to examine—claws its way to the surface now that his life hangs in the balance.

Crew members converse among themselves, theories and concerns mixing with memories of the years we’ve known Aries.

He’s never been particularly social, especially since the ships split a few years ago, but he’s always been there when needed.

Always fought alongside us, trained the newer gladiators with patient competence, and contributed his fair share of winnings to the collective fund.

He’s not flashy like Captain Beast or unpredictable like Shadow, but he’s methodical, reliable, the kind of warrior you want covering your back in a tight spot.

The Galaxy Warrior’s familiar corridors eventually lead us to the dining hall, our gathering space. Captain Zar-Rynn takes his usual spot near the viewport, but remains standing. “First priority is legal representation. I’m releasing ship’s funds to hire the best attorney on this planet.”

“Captain,” Shadow interjects, “the crew wants to contribute. He’s one of us. ”

Nods and murmurs of agreement ripple through the room. Within seconds, everyone has offered the maximum in their credit accounts. These people—this found family of former slaves and gladiators—we take care of our own.

“We need more than money,” Dr. Drayke says, his blue eyes darkening with concern. “We need information. Garrox Prime’s legal system, their criminal codes, anything that might help the attorney build a defense.”

“I was an attorney back on Earth,” Aerie reminds us. “It was a while ago, and I’m sure our legal systems are different as night and day. Let me try to find a skilled lawyer to represent Aries.” She tucks her head over her pad and is scrolling faster than most people can read.

My fingers are already flying over my datapad.

“Well, I’m no lawyer, but I’m good at research.

It’s how I knew to steer clear of the Mattis system.

Who knew there would be cannibals in a world that had ships that could travel at the speed of light?

I’ll start researching everything I can find about Sanctorii’s justice system.

Maybe there’s something on this planet we can use. ”

“Three hours isn’t much time,” Petra notes, her usual confident demeanor subdued.

“Then we’d better work fast.” Captain Zar-Rynn’s tail curves in determination.

“Callie, great idea to focus on Sanctorii’s legal codes.

Shadow, contact that attorney who helped us with the ship’s registration issues last annum to see if they have any connections on Garrox Prime.

Beast, review everything you know about Aries’ fighting history, anything that might be relevant.

The rest of you pool your resources and start reaching out to contacts.

Someone somewhere must know something about Garrox Prime’s justice system that can help us. ”

As the crew disperses to their tasks, I catch Captain Zar-Rynn watching me with an unreadable expression. For a moment, it seems like he might say something, but instead he simply nods and turns away.

Settling into my workspace in the communications hub, I pull up everything I can find about Sanctorii’s labyrinthine legal system. Their database is extensive, stretching back millennia. Somewhere in all this information, there has to be a way to save him.

There has to be.