Time had passed since Vega embarked on her journey, and Station Decacron remained a bustling hub of Mining Guild activity. Kali Firewalker, now alone in the Branch Head's residence, found herself in the cyborg maintenance room, undergoing routine care. The room, illuminated by soft blue lights, was quiet save for the hum of mechanical arms and diagnostic equipment tending to her body.
Kali's mechanical Deer Anthro form was suspended in midair by an array of automated arms, which carefully disassembled and reassembled different parts of her body. Her legs, sleek and metallic, hung detached from her torso while her arms, still connected, rested in a relaxed position. Various parts of her body, from her mechanical joints to the intricate neural circuits that connected her to her artificial limbs, were being calibrated and cleaned.
Her cyborg eyes flickered open as she heard the door slide open. Captain Tammo Sheath stepped inside, his expression unreadable yet calm as always. Dressed in his Night Guard uniform, he exuded a quiet authority that commanded respect. As the door shut behind him, the sound was almost inaudible in the sterile, clinical atmosphere of the maintenance room.
"Captain," Kali greeted him, her voice polite but warm, despite her current state. "I'm glad you're here. My apologies, my body's maintenance is running a little longer than expected."
She looked at him with a hint of self-consciousness, her current vulnerability contrasting with the usual air of command she carried. Being the Branch Head of the Mining Guild on Station Decacron was a demanding position, one where weakness—or even the appearance of it—was rare. Yet, here she was, quite literally in pieces, and reliant on machines to keep her functional.
Tammo raised a hand slightly, dismissing her apology with a calm wave. "No need to apologize, Kali. I understand the importance of maintenance. It’s essential for any of us with cybernetic enhancements, and I know you're in good hands here." His tone was as steady and reassuring as ever, giving her the space to relax a little, despite her current situation.
Kali managed a small smile, though it felt a bit out of place as her body floated in pieces. The mechanical arms worked diligently around her, reconnecting wires and adjusting panels. Her torso remained intact, though diagnostic lights danced across her metallic limbs as various systems were scanned and repaired.
"Thank you, Captain," she replied, watching as one of the machines meticulously aligned her right leg with its socket, preparing to reconnect it. "I was hoping to discuss Vayga’s departure with you, but it seems she’s doing well on her own so far."
Tammo nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "She’s adapting quickly. It’s rare to see someone, even a synthetic being, show such promise so soon. She’ll do great out there."
Kali tilted her head slightly as she watched another mechanical arm finish its calibration on her left leg. "I worry for her, though. She’s still so young, and the galaxy... it’s not always kind." Her voice carried a weight of concern that was unmistakable. Vega might have been a creation, but to Kali, she was far more than that. She had given her life, her purpose, and now watched her embark on a journey that would test her limits.
Tammo gave a soft grunt of agreement, his sharp eyes watching the machines at work. "The galaxy isn’t kind, no. But Vega has something that many out there don’t—a sense of purpose, and the will to find her path. Plus, we’ve given her tools to survive. She’s not alone, and with Lexi by her side, I’m confident she’ll navigate whatever challenges she faces."
As Kali’s body was slowly reassembled, she couldn’t help but feel a tug of melancholy. It was natural for any creator to feel a sense of protectiveness over their creation, especially one as unique as Vega. She had given Vega everything she could, and yet, like a mother watching her child take their first steps into the world, she knew she had to let Vega find her own way.
"I suppose you’re right," she admitted softly, her eyes flicking to the nearby monitor displaying Vayga’s last communication before she had left. "Still, it’s hard not to worry."
"That’s part of leadership," Tammo said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "You guide, you teach, but eventually, you have to trust that those under you will thrive on their own."
Kali sighed, feeling her body becoming whole again as the final adjustments were made. The machines worked quickly now, piecing her limbs back together with precise efficiency. Within moments, her form was complete once more, and the levitation arms gently lowered her back onto her feet.
"All systems operational," one of the diagnostic machines announced in a robotic tone, the lights dimming as it completed its task.
Kali flexed her fingers, feeling the familiar whir of servos as her hands responded smoothly. She stepped forward, testing her legs as they powered up. Everything was in perfect working order, just as it always was after maintenance.
Kali stepped toward Tammo with a small smile as her maintenance was completed. Her form, now fully operational, moved with the grace and precision expected of her high-level cybernetic enhancements. "Well, that’s better," she remarked lightly, before her expression shifted into something more thoughtful.
"Now then," she continued, closing the distance between them, "I believe we are once again being invited to join the Motoyoshi Clan at Port Jiyuu for their Tsukimi memorial. Do you remember the last one? You came as my escort." Her voice carried a hint of nostalgia. "This festival honored the harvest moon that once illuminated the fields of Taiie. It was... beautiful though the tragedy was horrible."
Tammo’s eyes softened just slightly at the memory. He nodded. "I remember. The Tsukimi memorial has always been one of the more solemn, yet beautiful, occasions the clan celebrates."
Kali continued, her tone growing more serious. "I also assume a contingency plan was created for our girl, in case things don’t go as smoothly as we hope?" Her concern for Vega, though tempered by logic, remained ever-present.
Tammo gave a brief nod, his expression turning professional once more. "Of course. I’ve coordinated with Lexi and the Cyberwarfare AI to monitor any threats that might arise during Vayga’s journey. She’s got the tools and the training to handle herself, but in the event of something unexpected, we’re ready to intervene."
Kali exhaled, a mix of relief and lingering unease in her breath. "I trust her, but this galaxy is vast and unpredictable. It's reassuring to know there’s a safety net."
"She’ll do well, Kali. She’s more capable than most organic beings out there," Tammo replied confidently. "But yes, we’ve made sure she’s not alone, even if it seems that way to her."
Kali nodded, the weight of her responsibilities still pressing on her, though lighter now with Tammo's reassurances. "Good. I'll rest easier knowing that. For now, let’s focus on preparing for Port Jiyuu. It’ll be another opportunity to strengthen ties with the Motoyoshi Clan."
"Agreed," Tammo said. "It’ll be good to show our continued support, and we might gain insights into other strategic matters as well. The Motoyoshi Clan always keeps their cards close to their chest, but they respect your leadership."
"Let’s hope so," Kali murmured, her thoughts drifting briefly to Vega once more before focusing on the task ahead. "I’ll get ready. We’ll represent the Mining Guild with the grace and strength they expect."
"Always," Tammo replied with a small, respectful bow.
A moment later, Kali emerged from her quarters dressed in a stunning yet understated dress. The dark tones of the fabric—a deep onyx with subtle silver embroidery—reflected her respect for the somber nature of the Tsukimi memorial. The gown’s elegant, flowing design accentuated her stature, while the darker colors maintained the dignity of the occasion. Beside her, Captain Tammo Sheath stood tall, dressed sharply in the Night Guard Officer's formal uniform. The crisp lines and polished insignia of his attire spoke to the professionalism and strength of the Mining Guild’s security force, a quiet yet unmistakable display of their status.
The two walked in measured steps toward the transport bay, their presence a blend of grace and formality. As they approached the MG.S.S Starbound, the starship gleamed under the station's lights, ready to carry them to the heart of Motoyoshi Clan territory. The vessel, part of the Mining Guild’s prestigious fleet, was sleek yet powerful, a perfect reflection of the Guild’s image.
Once aboard, the Starbound lifted off with smooth efficiency, guided by its advanced navigation systems. Within moments, it departed Station Decacron, heading for Port Jiyuu in the Motoyoshi-controlled sector. Kali and Tammo sat in silence, their minds focused on the event ahead. For Kali, it was an opportunity to pay respects, to strengthen diplomatic ties, and perhaps gain valuable insight into the Motoyoshi Clan’s current stance. For Tammo, it was another layer of security, ensuring that every step was accounted for, every possibility anticipated.
Upon arrival at Port Jiyuu, they were greeted by a Yugumo Corporation employee, who escorted them with precision and care. The worker led them through the bustling corridors of the station, up to the heart of Asagumo City, the capital of the Motoyoshi Clan’s holdings on the port. The city itself was a marvel of modern architecture and cultural heritage, a testament to the strength and vision of the Motoyoshi family. Towers of glass and steel rose high into the sky, while traditional Yamataian aesthetics blended seamlessly with the futuristic environment.
Their transport came to a smooth halt outside the grand palace of Asagumo-jo, the seat of power for the Motoyoshi Clan. The structure was both imposing and beautiful, its design echoing the historical elegance of ancient Yamataian castles while incorporating the advanced technologies of the modern age. The palace stood on a hill, its high walls and towering gates a symbol of strength, while the lush gardens surrounding it softened its presence with serenity.
Kali and Tammo stepped out, their eyes momentarily scanning the impressive structure before them. As they entered, the cool air of the palace contrasted with the warmth of the outside, and the atmosphere was thick with the weight of tradition and power. The halls were adorned with intricate tapestries and art pieces that told the long and storied history of the Motoyoshi Clan—its triumphs, losses, and the unwavering resilience of its leaders.
Inside, attendants guided them deeper into the palace, through corridors that led toward the grand hall where the memorial would take place. Kali felt a quiet respect as she observed the care and reverence given to this event. She knew this was more than just a formal occasion; it was a sacred moment for the clan, a remembrance of the past and a reaffirmation of the bond between them and the natural forces of the universe. The Tsukimi memorial, honoring the harvest moon that once illuminated the fields of Taiie, was a deeply personal celebration of life, loss, and the passage of time.
As they approached the grand hall, Kali turned slightly to Tammo, their eyes meeting briefly in shared understanding. They were here not only as representatives of the Mining Guild but also as participants in something much larger—an ancient tradition that carried the weight of generations.
"Ready?" Tammo asked, his voice low but steady.
Kali nodded. "Always."
With that, they stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the grand hall where the Motoyoshi Clan awaited, ready to pay their respects under the soft glow of the memorial lights.
As the simulated night descended over Asagumo City, the sky glowed red, marking the time of year when the Motoyoshi, along with the people of the MCS and the new settlements in the Kosuke Sector, gathered to celebrate Tsukimi. This festival honored the harvest moon that once illuminated the fields of Taiie. Traditionally, Tsukimi was one of the few occasions when Motoyoshi-Ieyasu Taro, with the help of alcohol, would openly share his thoughts on the tragedy—sometimes more than he should, as the celebration included guests beyond just family.
