The Starborn

Chapter 6

Quinn set the shuttle on autopilot and made his way to the back of the cabin, his heavy footsteps echoing softly against the metallic floor. Nova sat on a bench, her fingers carefully picking through her vibrant pink hair, pulling out fragments of debris from the chaotic escape.

He stopped in his tracks, momentarily caught off guard. In the soft glow of the emergency lighting, Nova’s appearance seemed otherworldly, more striking than he had anticipated. His eyes roved over her outfit: a sleek, black ensemble that exuded both rebellion and utility.

The cropped top crossed over her chest, forming sharp geometric shapes that accentuated her frame, while metallic straps glinted faintly on her shoulders, connecting to the harness-like pieces of her attire. Her hoodie was loose and oversized, the sleeves deliberately torn and frayed, exposing her arms. Around her waist, a series of belts cinched tightly, adorned with silver rings and buckles. The high-waisted black pants she wore were similarly distressed, featuring rips and tears that revealed glimpses of smooth skin beneath.

It wasn’t just her clothing that drew his attention. Her side was partially exposed, revealing delicate black vine-like tattoos trailing along her ribs and curling up toward her shoulder. The intricate designs seemed alive, twisting and wrapping around her skin in a way that made him momentarily forget where they were or what they had just endured.

She noticed him staring and raised an eyebrow, tossing a small piece of rubble to the floor. “See something you like, Tin Man?” she teased, her tone light but her sharp eyes scanning his expression.

Quinn cleared his throat and stepped forward, his expression unreadable beneath the remnants of battle-hardened focus. “I was just making sure you’re still in one piece,” he said, his voice flat but with a slight edge of curiosity.

Nova leaned back slightly, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Oh, I’m fine. You, on the other hand—your staring problem could use some work.”

Quinn ignored her jab, his gaze lingering briefly on the tattoos again before he gestured toward her. “Those marks—what do they mean?”

She glanced down at her exposed side, her fingers brushing the black vines absentmindedly. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she said cryptically, her smirk deepening. “They’re… personal.”

Quinn folded his arms, his stance shifting slightly. “Personal or not, they’re noticeable. You’re already a target—you don’t want to stand out more than you already do.”

“Maybe standing out is my thing,” Nova retorted, brushing some ash off her pants and meeting his gaze head-on. “Besides, I think the Ravagers already made it pretty clear they’re after me for more than my fashion sense.”

Quinn sighed, running a gloved hand through his short, sweat-dampened hair. “Just try not to make it harder for me to keep you alive.”

Nova tilted her head, studying him for a moment before leaning forward, her voice softer now. “You didn’t have to come back for me, you know. I would’ve figured something out.”

“You wouldn’t have made it,” he replied bluntly, his piercing eyes locking with hers. “And I don’t leave people behind.”

For a moment, the tension between them shifted, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Nova finally looked away, her fingers tracing the edge of one of the buckles on her belts. “Thanks… I guess.”

Quinn nodded curtly before turning toward the cockpit. “Get some rest. It’s not over yet.”

As he walked away, Nova’s gaze lingered on him, her smirk fading into something more thoughtful.

Quinn put back on his helmet and tried to make contact with the other Astral Berserkers. The static crackled in his ear before Echo-04’s gravelly voice broke through.

“We made it out, Alpha-01. Other survivors are with us. We’re en route to Primea.”

Quinn nodded to himself. “Primea. Copy that.”

Primea—the central hub of The Aegis Corporation. A breathtaking planet, often called the “Crown of the Galaxy,” it resembled what Earth had once been before its downfall. Lush green forests stretched endlessly, broken only by vibrant fields of golden flowers and shimmering blue lakes. Towering white spires dotted the cities, their smooth surfaces reflecting the twin suns above. It was a place of beauty, order, and unshakable power.

Quinn set the autopilot to Primea’s coordinates.

VERA chimed in, her tone analytical. “It will take exactly one hour and forty-three minutes to arrive. I suggest you use that time to get some answers out of Nova. However…”

“However?” Quinn prompted, already anticipating her response.

“Every time you interact with her, your nerve chip spikes. It’s starting to overload. You may want to consider—”

“Noted,” Quinn interrupted, his tone firm.

With a deep breath, he made his way to the back of the shuttle. Nova had helped herself to the food rations and was sitting at a small fold-out table. Her posture was casual, but her eyes flicked to him as soon as he entered.

Quinn pulled off his helmet and sat across from her, setting the intimidating piece of equipment on the table.

Nova tilted her head, amused. “Taking a break from barking orders, are we?”

Ignoring her jab, Quinn studied her quietly for a moment. VERA’s voice whispered in his ear. “Remember—be understanding.”

Quinn cleared his throat. “Why are the Ravagers after you? It’s not in their nature to take prisoners.”

Nova hesitated, her gaze dropping to the ration bar in her hands. She toyed with the wrapper for a moment, clearly debating whether to answer.

“They’re after me because…” she paused, her voice faltering.

Quinn leaned forward, softening his tone. “If you want my help, I need to know what we’re dealing with.”

Nova sighed, brushing a strand of pink hair behind her ear. “It’s because I have visions.”

Quinn tilted his head. “Visions?”

Nova nodded. “I can see the past, the present… and sometimes the future. I think that’s why they want me. But honestly, I don’t know for sure.”

VERA’s voice broke in, this time with a hint of alarm. “If that’s true, she’s in real danger. That kind of power in the hands of the Ravagers…”

Quinn kept his eyes on Nova. “How does it work?”

She set down the ration bar and lifted her hands, revealing black gloves that clung to her fingers like a second skin. “Honestly? I can’t control it most of the time. But when I touch a person—or sometimes even an object—it just… happens. That’s why I wear these.”

Quinn nodded, understanding more now why she was so guarded. He was about to ask another question when his helmet beeped with an incoming message.

“Excuse me,” he said, standing and walking back to the cockpit. He placed the helmet back on, and the high-pitched voice of the High Command’s representative came through.

“Alpha-01, this is High Command. We have reviewed your report. The prisoner you retrieved from Draxis poses a significant risk. We cannot allow her to fall into enemy hands. You are hereby ordered to execute her immediately.”

Quinn froze. His pulse quickened, and for the first time in years, something like doubt gnawed at him.

VERA’s tone was uncertain. “Quinn… she’s just a child. Let me send them the new information she gave us about her visions.”

She did so without waiting for his response. Moments later, a reply came back.

“They said they can’t risk it,” VERA said, her voice quiet. “She must be executed. Immediately.”

Quinn clenched his fists. Orders were orders—but something felt wrong. This wasn’t justice.

He turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of Nova in the corner of his eye. She sat at the table, eating quietly, unaware of the conversation that sealed her fate. When she looked up and met his gaze, there was a flicker of something in her expression—trust.

VERA broke the silence. “What are we going to do?”

Quinn turned back to the console, his movements decisive. “The right thing.”

He overrode the shuttle’s tracking systems and set a new course, far away from Primea.

VERA hesitated. “You’re going against direct orders. You’ll be branded a traitor.”

“Maybe,” Quinn muttered, his tone steady. “But I’m not going to kill an innocent girl.”

As the engines adjusted to the new route, Quinn stood and walked back to Nova.

“Where are we going?” she asked, suspicion creeping into her voice.

“Away,” Quinn replied. “Somewhere safe.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Why do I get the feeling you’re about to cause a lot of trouble?”