PLANET KALSIIET
Kalsiiet was not much better off than the rest of the planets they had visited while under Thea's "care". Though, at least it boasted being a 'legal' addition to the planetary systems. The majority of Kalsiiet's population were either just barely skirting the lines of the law, bending the rules where they knew they could get away with it in the forms of gambling and questionable ware sources. And the others... they were the ones Jasper felt kindred too. Old military dogs, once the pride of Terradyne, now retired and living out their days keeping order on a planet that liked to taunt their authority.
He strode across the air field towards a large plane and ship hanger. Max, his only accompaniment, was struggling to keep up pace a few steps behind him. The man hadn't been his first choice to join him... Truthfully, Jasper would have taken the Alien, or even the bar tender who still hadn't found a purpose on the ship. Either of them would of been a more solid backup should something go awry, compared to the young man that Jasper suspected wasn't much more experienced than Saniya when it came to being out in the real world. Yet... he couldn't leave the two women unattended and without protection. Not even protection for themselves, but for the rest of the world should they see something shiny and run off to do something stupid HE would come to regret. They were all waiting with Thea outside of the air strips.
Jasper snorted at his musings. Max casting him a curious stare, but not making comment. They already arrived to the hanger doors, Jasper laying a hand at his gun as he slid one to the side for them to cross the entrance. Most of the lights were off inside. Only streams of daylight from opened glass windows in the ceiling lit the floor and few ships that were docked inside. Both men were hesitant as they looked around. But finally a familiar voice called out from one of the corners.
"Kelran. Here I thought you would have figure that out sooner." chuckled the man. Hayden, the very same voice from the recorder.
Jasper gave a grim smile.
"Got mixed up in something interesting. I see I'm not the only one, old man..."
Gesturing to a desk and some chairs near a makeshift office space in the corner of the room, Hayden took himself a seat behind the desk. Bother Jasper and Max doing the same. Jasper himself, leaning forward in his seat to rest his elbows on his knees to cast a concerned frown.
"Gantoon shafted me. I've got every Terradyne on my tail because that bitch can't keep her feelings to herself. Then you up and vanish before I see you. What's goin' on, Hayden."
"A lot more than you realize..." Hayden confessed. His features were tired and weary, making him appear so much older than he actually was. He drummed his fingers on the desk, seeming to an inner debate on just how he was going to explain. "I've been doubling some time now... Working underground, finding out about Genesis for Terradyne. And the things I've learned... they'd set your hairs on end. And I ain't talkin' about what those activists are doing. I'm talking Terradyne's actions..."
"You're shitting me." came Jasper's response. He was dubious, to be sure. But Hayden had been his friend and comrade for a long time. Still, he's been a Commander for the Federation even longer. A conspiracy seemed to be farfetched...
"They've been a protecting force of the galaxy for well over a hundred years..."
"A force unchecked often loses sight of what it was create for, Kelran. I can't deny what I've seen..." Hayden's attention was drawn to a little device in his hand when it buzzed. He gave a heavy sigh as he shook his head. "You're not going to be able to deny it either."
"What the hell is that supposed to me-"
Captain. Unmarked ships have landed within the air strip. They are unloading armed men. Sounded the little voice of Thea in Jasper's ear piece. His eyes narrowed and his heart skipped a beat, but he was trying to not jump to conclusions. Not about the man who he considered a good friend and has trusted for years.
"Ships are landing outside, Hayden. Who are they."
Hayden was silent for a moment. He finally shook his head. "I'm sorry Kelran. I can't help you. I-"
"You sonofabitch!" Jasper was on his feet, pulling his gun as Max followed suit beside him.
"You don't know what they do..! I have a
family to think about! If I turn you and the Titan Ship in, they'll forget all of the things I had to do with Genesis!"
There wasn't time left to argue or demand explanations. A loud blast send part of the wall near them collapsing. Armored men in Terradyne uniform came stomping through with their guns raised. Both Jasper and Max took for cover under a hail of gun fire. Hayden was not so lucky... Having raised his hands assuming he was not a target, he was shot down without a second thought.
Jasper and Max ducked behind a large stack of crates. The Captain tapping in to the communication link.
"We're under fire! Find us a way out of here!"