Destiny Aurora Rovanna Lost

By Frank J Zanca

After the events of Destiny Aurora, the crew has a new mission to track down an intergalactic thief, named Trixx We'quor, who has stolen something that will have cataclysmic consequences on the galaxy. Follow the further adventures of Jayce, Rovanna, Flibby, Rolf, and X-473 and immerse yourself in the incredible world of Destiny Aurora.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Destiny Horizons
• Release date: Mar 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781088029770

Book preview

DEDICATION

When I began designing Shadow Raven way back in the early 1990s, I had no idea the impact he would have on my life. The adventures of this dark, brooding hero ended up paving the way for several firsts. From writing my first comic book script to penning my first novel (which never saw the light of day), to my first independent film, Shadow Raven was the character who could traverse the page to the screen easily.

Shadow Raven’s progression was not accomplished by me alone, however. I had a great deal of help. The two men that were instrumental in molding the character into what he is today have remained my best friends for the past twenty-five years. Although I now live on the opposite side of the country, we continue to keep in touch. Ironically, both their names are John, and they are both talented in their own right.

John Berry was the artist on the very first Shadow Raven comic book that was released by an independent publisher in 1995. He strengthened my design as well as that of the supporting characters and helped give them unique voices and personalities.

John Campbell was my producing partner on our micro-budget Shadow Raven film, which we shot in Orlando, Florida. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing. Somehow, we were able to get in some gunplay, swordfights, and special effects that John did himself in one of the first renditions of After-Effects. He was entirely self-taught. We rented out a theater at Universal Studios and had one of the biggest Wednesday night showings in the theater’s history at the time. If I only knew then what I know now.

I have to give a shout out to my brother, who played the leading role. He also had to fix a human-sized hole in the wall of his house after he threw a stunt man through it during rehearsal. (And the camera wasn’t even rolling. Sigh.)

This book goes out to the two Johns who supported me through all of my hair-brained schemes and stood with me without thinking twice. I love you guys.

Your friend --- Always.

Frankie Z.

FOREWARD

Wow, this really book four already? It feels like only yesterday that was sitting at a blank screen wondering how this eclectic, highly flawed group of characters was supposed to look and act. Almost five years later, they have not only grown into their own personalities but have become dear to my heart.

These characters have traversed mediums into comics, board games, role-playing games, plastic figurines, and even plushies. With their growth has come the evolution of the Destiny Aurora universe. The supporting characters have also become interesting in their right. Who would have thought that a bunch of misfit criminals would be calling out for stories of their own? Yet Dro, Azur, Trixx, and Donexia assuredly have their adventures and near-death experiences to brag about.

What new tales hang on the horizon for the Destiny Aurora crew? The answer to that question will have to wait. I’ll be taking a break from the universe of the future for a bit, and turning my attention to the landscapes of the past. I’m working on a new project that I’m very excited about. More info to come, so stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy this, the fourth chronicle In the Destiny Aurora series. As always, there will twist and turns, laughs, and tears. Throw your arms around your favorite character and embrace them. They’re going to need all the support they can get.

Thank you for all of the love you’ve given this dysfunctional family in the stars.

Sincerely,

Frank Zanca

Creator

CHAPTER 1

The Shores of Kraysor

The sand was cool against the soles of her feet. Sounds of the crashing waves filled not only her ears but her soul as well. Tilting her head back, she shut her eyes, allowing the refreshing breeze to wash over her. It felt like silk drawing across her skin and scales. When her eyes fluttered open, the luminescent sky seemed to wink back at her. It was akin to Earth’s rainbows, except that the colors enveloped the entire horizon.

Gracefully, Rovanna lowered herself onto the sand and watched a group of sea-sparrows glide across the blue-violet ocean. In the distance was the faint white noise of a waterfall cascading down the cliff face. Peaceful was too cliché a word to use to describe this place. It was more. It was so much more. Kraysor may not have been the place of her birth, but it did run through her veins. Perhaps she should not have been so quick to dismiss it; to hide that piece of her.

Gentle fingers brushed across hers and then laced between them. Jayce smiled at her, his eyes wandering from her face to the undulation of her auburn hair. His smile warmed her until she was powerless but to return it.

You all right? he asked. She nodded, not wanting to hear the sound of her own voice just yet. Are you hungry?

The container filled with food and beverages lay open just beside them. Rovanna considered for a moment and then shook her head. Beyond the layers of color was the hazy visage of Kraysor’s twin moons. She studied them, pretending she was a pioneer from centuries ago, before space travel was even a remote concept. How majestic and magical they must have seemed. They say that the moons are only full at the same time once every ten years.

As usual, my timing is impeccable, Jayce replied, accenting it with his signature smirk. His suave charm still made her melt after all these years, but she would never reveal that to him.

Really? I wouldn’t use the word ‘impeccable’ to describe anything about you. Rovanna smiled, suddenly very aware that her hair no longer covered the Kraysorian half of her face. In her mind, it was the alien half, but now that she was on Kraysor, wouldn’t that make the human side the alien side?

And what word would you use, Sergeant? Jayce asked flirtatiously.

Oh, I can think of a few that might be a bit less flattering. Rovanna stifled a laugh.

Well, my interest is officially piqued. The shimmer in his eyes drew her in. He suddenly became serious, causing her heart to skip. Had she done something wrong? I’m glad you did what you did.

What? She studied him. What did I do?

The kiss, of course.

Oh, that. She felt the human side of her face blush. I thought it was a mistake.

So that would make this a mistake too then, he replied. His palm glided across the scales of her cheek while his fingertips gripped the back of her neck. Electricity pulsed through her body, causing her back to arch. She was no longer in control. This both frightened and excited her. The feeling of her quickening heartbeat made her mind slip away. If she were to speak at that moment, nothing coherent would have escaped her lips.

Jayce’s lips brushed against hers. He was being so gentle. Rovanna had no idea he could be so tender. Then their lips met, and the electricity she had experienced was nothing compared to this. Subconsciously she shut her eyes, drinking in every morsel. When he pulled away, she had no idea how much time had passed, but her lips were still aquiver. No one had ever kissed her like that. No one had ever kissed her at all.

So, is the jury still out? Jayce joked. His levity made her feel at ease. She wasn’t even certain she had done it correctly. Movies and television shows probably weren’t the best paragon, but they were all she had.

The grin on her face was uncontrollable. Why couldn’t she stop smiling? Oh, the jury is definitely in. This time it was she that kissed him. It was like a drug she couldn’t get enough of. When they disconnected, he laid on his back, looking up at the sky, and she snuggled next to him, resting her head on his chest. His left arm wrapped around her, drawing her closer. She never felt so safe. Two firsts in one night, she paused. Being with you and visiting my other home planet. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to finally see it.

There’s no doubt that it’s beautiful...almost as beautiful as you.

Rovanna had been called many things in her life, but beautiful was not among them. I’m not… As her voice trailed off, she found herself shifting the hair over her face. Jayce rolled on top of her, the heat of his body eclipsing her thoughts. He brushed her hair aside. Yes, you are.

Rovanna searched his eyes deeply for the barest hint of insincerity but found none. A tear flowed freely down her cheek. Before she could pull him closer, to embrace him, to kiss him, to feel his lips again, it all turned wrong.

Jayce’s expression warped into one of agonizing pain and shock. She no longer felt his weight upon her as his body was hefted into the air. Her breath caught in her throat as she stared unbelievingly at the visage of So’len Frae. It was impossible. Frae was dead; he had to be.

Clutched by the back of his neck, her commanding officer, friend, and what she hoped to be so much more, kicked fruitlessly in the air. His arms flailed, attempting to dislodge himself from Frae’s unyielding grip.

Jayce!! she screamed. She should act. Where was her weapon?

Frae stared down at her, his fangs bared in a malevolent grin.

Her holster was near the food container. Diving forward, Rovanna grabbed the holster, only to find it empty. Hope fled from her as she looked up to see Jayce’s dangling and agonized form.

So’len’s smile widened at Rovanna’s blank expression. Turning his attention back to Jayce, he said, Happiness is something I will never allow you to experience, Carver. Sadistic glee charged through his baritone voice, making Rovanna quiver in fear. She knelt pleadingly before him.

So’len drew back his claw and dug it into Jayce’s back. The scream that bellowed from Jayce’s throat was preternatural. Then he fell silent, the light ebbed from his eyes, and his head drooped lifelessly. The Zurathi commander allowed Jayce’s body to fall upon the ground like a discarded doll. In his clawed hand, he now held Jayce’s still-beating heart, which he proffered to Rovanna.

Is this what you wanted, my dear? Take it. It’s finally yours.

Rovanna let out a scream like none other in her entire life. So’len laughed.



Taking delight in Rovanna’s agonizing screams was a large man, standing close to two meters tall. He stared down at the struggling Rovanna remorselessly. Professor Zoor could not ascertain whether it was an expression of amusement or curiosity, or perhaps a bit of both. Whatever it was, the professor found it quite unnerving. Everything about this man was unsettling, even the way he moved.

One would think that a man of his stature would lumber about the room, but it was more of a glide. Then there was the way he gazed at those around him. It was as if he were peering inside their very souls. Though the giant before him appeared to be human, the professor thought otherwise as he examined his own fearful expression in the man’s sunglasses. The red tint of the lenses made them present as glowing embers. Odder still was that Zoor had never seen him remove them. The full features of the man’s face remained a mystery.

Is this absolutely necessary, Lord Asmodis? he asked out of obligation. The woman being tortured was his daughter, after all.

Calling someone Lord was a bit out of the ordinary during this century, but it seemed appropriate in this case. Asmodis was like no one he’d ever met, and though the professor was terrified of Asmodis, he also highly respected him. Their goals were similar, and the funding was real. What more could a scientist such as himself ask for?

It most certainly is, Professor. Her mind must be pliable for what comes next. Asmodis’ voice was like a tremor. It was so deep and commanding that it reverberated throughout Zoor’s body.

And what does come next?

Asmodis turned toward him, and at once, the professor knew that he had overstepped. Standing up a bit straighter and lacing his hands behind his back, Asmodis returned his attention to Rovanna. Chills ran up the professor’s spine. Asmodis had never threatened him with bodily harm, though those large hands could quite possibly break bones without much effort. There was never any need as his silence was punishment enough.

Finally, he spoke, breaking the uncomfortable stillness. My plans will remain my own for now, Professor.

If there was one thing in the world that he hated more than anything, it was unanswered questions. The professor wasn’t someone who let anything go, and the less Asmodis told him, the more distracted he became by the speculated plans Asmodis had set in motion. As far as Zoor knew, his work played a significant role in those plans. With that in mind, he decided to push the envelope a bit further.

Haven’t I proven my loyalty? I’ve given my only daughter to your cause. Zoor gestured toward Rovanna, who let out another whimper. Whatever scenario was playing out in her mind was tearing her apart, and yet he found it difficult to feel remorse.

Allowing his hands to fall loosely at his sides, Asmodis took a menacing step toward him. Zoor was forced to tilt his head upward to gaze at him. You’ve given nothing, Professor. The red-skinned imp that he knew only as Tarsis leaped from the surface of a piece of equipment and perched atop Asmodis’ shoulder. It never spoke, but instead giggled maniacally more often than Zoor would have liked. Now it mocked him by waving a bony finger as if he were scolding the professor by accenting Asmodis’ words.

Firstly, as you’ve incessantly professed, Asmodis continued, she is not your daughter by blood. Secondly, you never once reached out to Sgt. Zoor during her entire time at the Coalition. Only when I required someone of her unique genetic construction did you make contact. And now here we are... He paused and turned back toward the squirming Rovanna, allowing the professor to exhale the breath he was holding.

...with the key to creating a new humanoid species. It will be glorious. And that I will owe to you, Professor. To the victors go the spoils.

Zoor knew not to push further, but being kept in the dark grated on his nerves and fragile psyche. When he thought of pain, he thought of his former wife, and when he looked at Rovanna’s half-Kraysorian face, those memories infiltrated his mind’s eye like a tiny army attacking from within. Flashes of her beauty made him smile for an instant until the pain of her betrayal overtook him once more. The smile quickly altered to that of a scowl, an expression he wore far too often nowadays.

Graden, how much longer until we reach Earth? Asmodis called.

Two hours forty-four minutes, was the prompt reply.

Very well. Keep the images replaying in her mind until we arrive.

The order caused Zoor to study his daughter’s brainwave scan. They were spiking dangerously close to the borderline of what could cause her permanent damage. Another two and half hours of psychological torment, this would undoubtedly test her resolve.

What if her mind is permanently damaged, Lord? Zoor found himself inquiring.

I’m certain you will make…adjustments to ensure a favorable outcome. Asmodis turned his gaze upon him. Do not dawdle, Professor. The clock is ticking, and I expect results.

What of her crew, Lord? They will certainly come looking, Graden said, stiffening his posture.

They have been taken out of play for the time being. Fear not. Everything is going accordingly. I will be in my chambers if I am needed. Make certain the professor stays on point. Our timeline is precarious at best.

Even at a lower volume, Asmodis’ voice carried. Zoor half-expected him to look back over his shoulder, but he did not. The remark was made as much for Zoor’s benefit as for his assistant’s. Graden was tall, albeit shorter than his master. He was quite a bit thinner with a wiry frame. He tried to keep his voice even and controlled, but every now and again, a squeal would his escape his lips like a hiccup. It was ignored by Asmodis and Graden, who did nothing to draw attention to it. What they had in common were those red-lensed sunglasses, and they weren’t the only ones. Those close to Asmodis all wore them. It was peculiar, to say the least.

Graden bowed low at the waist as Asmodis strode past him. As you command, Lord. Zoor found himself wondering about Asmodis’ endgame and what would be the final trigger.

On the table, Rovanna let out another hellish scream while her father took note of the scrolling brainwave report.

CHAPTER 2

The Assembly

Operation Log: Asmodis Enterprises: May 6 - 01:16 hours

There are things that occur in this world that are beyond my control. I admit that I have a difficult time accepting that. At every turn, I must confront adversity, and I tire of it all. It is foretold that others will bow before me, and that day cannot come soon enough.

The soles of Asmodis’ shoes clacked across the metallic plates that made up the floor of his ship. His followers bowed their head in respect and reverence as they passed him in the hallway, but their actions did nothing to warm him. He needed more. The time was coming for him to return home and punish those who had forced him out. Power was something Asmodis understood and could accumulate and harness given enough time.

He would be much further along if not for the Ikarrian queen.

Entering his quarters, Asmodis removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeves. With a press of a button, the environmental pod slowly ejected from the wall among the ornate furniture. Removing his clothes, he shut his eyes and tossed his sunglasses onto the love seat. Leaning against the semi-reclined cushion, he allowed the door to shut behind him. The heat rushed in, fogging the glass, and it warmed him to his core. A sigh floated from his lips, and his mind traveled back to that day eight months ago, when everything had been set in motion.



Operation Log: Asmodis Enterprises: Sept. 14 - 09:10 hours

I attempted to stack the deck in my favor as much as possible, but is it enough? Is it ever enough? My representative will be making the presentation in my stead, as I have been told that my presence may be a bit intimidating. Perhaps that may not be the best tactic in this case.

Asmodis sat back against the Reynian leather seats of his magno-limo and activated the holographic feed from Richard’s hidden bodycam. Richard Highland was selected by the board to be the representative of Asmodis Enterprises due to his congenial demeanor. He had a trustworthy face, they had intimated. Asmodis hated answering to anyone and abhorred making decisions by committee. If he were forced to work under the laws of this world, he would do so. That was until he found a way to escape from it.

Richard was instructed not to leave that room until he received a positive response from the Galactic Assembly. The camera he was hiding was deep cover covert technology created by Asmodis Enterprises that had been withheld from fulfillment for several more months. In so doing, it remained undetectable from current security scans. If Asmodis could not be in the room, he would resort to the next best thing - he would force Richard to wear the body cam. His reluctance and protests fell on deaf ears. Asmodis needed to see the results first-hand.

The camera’s holo-feed displayed several high-profile members of the Assembly, including the prince and princess of Visarath. It was well-known that brother and sister would be feuding over control of the throne if the King were to die. Asmodis would abstain from backing either one as the prevailing sibling could not be determined. Supporting the wrong potential sovereign would cost his company millions of digits, digits he would need to complete future projects, specifically the one that the Assembly was about to vote upon.

Ta’lar Uziel, the Ikarrian queen, stepped up to the Visaraths and bowed her head in reverence, not because she had to—since she was as much royalty as they were—but because she chose to. Carrying the weight of Assembly Speaker pressed her to be respectful to all; however, Asmodis surmised that Ta’lar was the type of ruler that never felt as if she were better than those around her. If that had not been the case, then she’d probably abuse her powers for her own gain, and that would make her less dangerous, for she would have been corruptible. Instead, she had refused all of the gifts Asmodis had offered.

Princess, thank you for joining us, Ta’lar accented with a handshake while making certain that her metal wings were tucked neatly against her back, lest she accidentally dislodged a drink from the hands of passersby. I know the timing is less than optimal. How is your father’s health?

Thank you for your concern, Queen Ta’lar, Princess Xea’lana replied with a genuine smile. The doctors believe that he will make a full recovery. We plan on returning straight away to be by his side.

That is fantastic news, Ta’lar said and returned Xea’lana’s warm smile. He will be in our prayers. I speak for everyone when I say that he is well-liked and respected within these chambers and beyond.

Though they did not seem to know each other well, it was evident that there was mutual respect between them. The prince, on the other hand, did not seem swayed by the queen’s charms. Perhaps he didn’t realize he’d been sneering at her, for when Ta’lar merely nodded with a cordial greeting of Prince Ulep, and walked away, he commented to his sister, Did you see that? That woman gives me no respect. To which she just shook her head and took a sip of her drink.

Please do not make a scene, Ulep. Let’s take our seats. With a grunt, the prince followed his sister to the upper level, where they sat behind a wide desk beside the other alien delegates.

Ta’lar instead moved to the front of the room where she stood behind a podium. Settle down, everyone. Her authoritative voice boomed over the speakers. The chatter instantly discontinued, and those who’d remained standing took their respective seats. Richard sat behind Ta’lar, giving Asmodis a view of the delegates.

I appreciate you all attending, she began. I realize you all have dire issues on your own respective planets that require constant attention, and taking the time to join this assembly might often seem like a chore. A grumble of agreement came from her audience. However, her voice raised in volume to regain control over the chatter. I trust you understand that it is a necessary sacrifice for the betterment of the galaxy as a whole.

With a gesture, she drew attention to the man seated behind her. Our first order of business is the construction of a lunar base on Raduale in the Kraysor system. A representative from Asmodis Enterprises of Earth is present to hear our answer to their extravagant presentation during our last meeting.

Asmodis sneered at the word extravagant. It was apparent that Queen Ta’lar did not care for the proposal and was subtly making her opinion known without breaking any of the rules regulating her station. Even without accenting the word with a negative denotation, Ta’lar had a talent for twisting a knife in Asmodis’ side.

Richard rose to take his place beside Ta’lar. The queen had a beauty and an elegant poise about her that demanded respect. This did not go unnoticed by Asmodis. She did hold a great deal of sway with the delegation. Asmodis did not normally tense up during occasions such as these, but he found himself doing so now as Richard spoke.

Thank you for considering our project. I hope you can all see the benefit of a lunar base on Raduale. We are ready to begin work immediately upon your ratification. Though there was nothing wrong with the way Richard spoke, his voice grated on Asmodis’ nerves. His presence and voice were not on par with Ta’lar’s.

Please place your votes for yay or nay to the ratification of the construction of the base, she instructed. If you abstain, please notate that choice instead, and your vote will not count during the final tally.

Asmodis observed each of the delegates as they leaned over their respective pads. Some took their time, while others placed their vote immediately. Most of these were delegates with which Asmodis had had discussions prior to this meeting.

Ta’lar looked over at Richard. The judgmental expression on her face made Asmodis’ blood boil. She instructed him to sit as she read the screen. These votes shall be verified, but it appears as if we have a tie. Asmodis’ eyes grew wide. How could this be? He knew he could never have the Kraysorian vote, but the others? Somehow Ta’lar had outmaneuvered him.

So, the final tie-breaking vote will fall to me, and I vote… the room fell silent, awaiting Ta’lar’s next word. Nay! Chatter erupted in a cacophony of languages. Though Asmodis had already known how Ta’lar would side, hearing her say it with such finality made him want to punch a hole through her chest. His fist clenched, and his teeth ground.

May I ask why, Speaker? Richard’s timid voice came from behind her as he rose. That weasel of a man had failed, and Asmodis did not handle failure well.

My position is this, she said to Richard but turned her voice toward the assembly. Though it would create another outpost in the center of the known galaxy, I do not believe we are ready for a private entity to be placed in a situation where they would hold such a powerful position within the Coalition. It may be that Asmodis Enterprises has already swayed some of you with promises of monetary remuneration or other objects you might find desirable-

Excuse me, Speaker, but-- the weasel attempted to chime in, but there was no stopping Ta’lar at this point. She was a woman on a mission, and that mission was to squash this debate once and for all.

There is talk that Asmodis has been striking deals with several core worlds. First and foremost, the people must be protected. There will be no appeal of this decision. Until Mr. Asmodis rules his own planet, he will own no real estate outside of Earth’s orbit. With a bark of finality, she turned toward Richard and dismissed him with a simple, curt nod. Thank you for your time, Mr. Highland. Please give our regards to your superior. Now, on to our next order of business. Dejectedly, Richard left the room, but not the building.

Asmodis calmed himself with a sigh, unclenched his fist, and adjusted his sunglasses. Richard would await Ta’lar’s exit from the assembly and attempt to appeal to her one last time. Asmodis removed the PMD from his pocket and pulled up a series of applications.

Twenty-two long minutes ticked by. Richard caught up to Ta’lar as she walked out of the building. Speaker, I would like you to reconsider your decision. This moon base could have some very positive results… Asmodis watched through the window of his limo as Ta’lar raised her hand to prevent Richard from speaking further.

As I stated, Mr. Highland -- until Mr. Asmodis rules his own planet, he will own no real estate outside of Earth’s orbit. My decision is final.

The queen’s words echoed in Asmodis’ ears. Without a moment’s hesitation, Asmodis clicked a button on his PMD, and Richard felt a rigorous vibration come from the body cam. He barely had time to touch it before it exploded. Ta’lar’s scream, followed by abrupt silence was like music. The concussive shockwave rocked the chassis of the limo for a split second, but Asmodis made no reaction.

Fiery smoke ebbed from the steps of the assembly building. Panic and screams of horror filled the area. It was beautiful pandemonium. The bomb emission was not enough to damage the structure, but there was collateral damage in the way of additional passersby.

With a smile, Asmodis gave his next command to Graden, Drive.

Yes, my Lord, Graden said and pressed the accelerator.

I am re-thinking our strategy. Perhaps we need to be more...aggressive. Asmodis’ face contorted with thought as the limo drove off, leaving behind a salvo of pain and destruction in its wake.

CHAPTER 3

Professor Zoor’s Lab

Personal Log: Lt. Inspector Jayce Carver: May 6 - 01:16 hours

My heart is pounding. Something is wrong. I can’t let the rest of the crew see the fear that I’m feeling. I hope I’m just suffering from the jitters, cause if I’m not, Rovanna is in danger.

Jayce attempted to control the speed of his steps as he and the others exited the transport vehicle. Rolf was upset that they had to use a form of public transportation rather than the HTV. For all, anyone knew the HTV was still stuck within a shard of debris from So’len’s flagship floating haplessly through space. This, of course, gave Rolf no comfort.

Once the transport had sped away, Jayce gave the others a nod to unsheathe their weapons. Rolf pulled his shotgun and Jayce’s sword from a satchel, while X’s arm guns ejected from their housings on his forearms. Rolf tossed Jayce the sword, which he donned, and both he and Flibby readied their arc-pistols.

Jayce’s only desire was to run up to the door, kick it in and start firing until he found Rovanna. They were on Janoor, however, and though it was dangerously close to Dregg Space, it was still considered a Coalition planet. The building in front of them was Rovanna’s last known location. According to the response to a communique they uncovered from hacking Rovanna’s private network, she was to meet someone. Did she walk into some sort of trap? Why was she being so secretive when Jayce asked where she was headed?

These were all questions that Jayce needed answers to immediately, but instead, he led the team slowly, cautiously, toward the broad set of double doors. Taking a deep breath, he focused, forcing himself not to give in to his primal urges. X, you’re sure this is her last location before her transponder failed?

With a hundred percent certainty, Inspector, the android responded.

It looks like some kind of office building. I wasn’t expecting anything...normal, Rolf grumbled. Jayce was thinking the same thing. There was absolutely nothing ominous or sinister about the structure they were approaching. Jayce expected a sort of Dregg den or renegade hideout, but this was nothing short of mundane. One of his instructors at the academy had made the point several times that the most heinous acts were often hidden behind the most pristine facades. However, In his experience as both inspector and secret service director, such a thing had rarely been the case. Perhaps this would be the exception.

Maybe she went to see someone about covering up her scales. She’s always talking about wanting to be fully human. That would explain the secrecy. That was Flibby in a nutshell, always trying to see the brighter side of things. He hoped she was right, and this was something completely innocent; that they would burst into a room only to have Rovanna chastise them for violating her privacy.

I don’t think so, Flibby, Jayce admitted, revealing his anxiety. Stay alert, everyone. Heads on a swivel. We have no idea what we’re walking into. X, power up your shield. This meant that X would be the first one through the door. Wedging his fingers between the seam of the doors, he waited for Jayce to give him the signal. Once he and the others raised their weapons to eye level, Jayce performed a curt nod, and X yanked the door back, releasing a series of sparks from the now-disjointed hydraulics. X stepped in front of the team, activating the chest shield that projected a foot away from his body.

Upon entering the lobby, the team encountered a lone security guard who leaped up from his seat behind the desk. He seemed disoriented as if they had just awoken him from a nap. Whoa, hold it right there. Don’t come any closer, the guard warned while his hand reached for his holster. One look from Jayce, however, made the guard stand down. All right, I’m sure whatever y’all want, we can make it happen without all the fuss.

Keep your hands raised, Jayce instructed and displayed his badge. "Coalition officers. You’re not in any danger. At least not from us, if you are actually employed here."

Last nine and a half years, the guard replied. X slid to the side of the desk and removed the guard’s weapon. Once he was disarmed, Jayce instructed the team to lower their weapons as a sign of good faith. The guard dropped his hands to his sides and wiped the sweat from his brow. Now that we’ve established that you’re not going to shoot me, would you like to tell me why you broke my door?

Have you seen this woman? Jayce displayed a photo from Rovanna via his gauntlink.

The guard nodded fervently, She came in a little while ago. Went to see Professor Zoor on the eighty-first floor.

The inspector’s eyebrows arched in confusion; an expression shared by the entire crew. Professor Zoor, you said?

That’s right, the guard confirmed.

Her daddy? Flibby asked the question everyone was considering. Of all the crew members, it was Flibby that had the tightest knit family. To her, having Rovanna’s father involved in her disappearance was unthinkable.