Chapter 5

“This model of Solar ship has a number of features that are not present on other models,” a woman explained, her voice a low, confident purr that held the attention of every potential buyer in the crowded hangar. She gestured with a graceful, manicured hand towards the vessel they were inspecting. “The Stardust Drifter. She’s a beauty, isn’t she?” The ship was a sleek, predatory thing, all sharp angles and gleaming chrome. Her hull was a deep, iridescent black, absorbing the light of the hangar and reflecting it back in a shimmering rainbow of colors. Her lines were clean and aerodynamic, designed to cut through the void with a minimum of resistance. She looked fast, dangerous, and expensive.

“As you can see,” the woman continued, her heels clicking on the concrete floor as she led them towards the ship’s ramp, “the Drifter is built for speed and stealth. Her hull is coated with a specialized polymer that makes her almost invisible to most long-range sensors. And her engines ... well, her engines are the best in the business. A custom-built solar drive that can push her to the edge of the known galaxy in a matter of days.” She stopped at the base of the ramp, turning to face them, a knowing smile playing on her lips. Her name was Jelicia, and she was a ship broker, a woman who dealt in the buying and selling of high-end spacecraft. She was in her late thirties, with a mane of fiery red hair that cascaded down her back, and a pair of piercing green eyes that seemed to miss nothing. She was dressed in a dress of deep green leather that clung to her curves like a second skin, her long legs encased in a pair of matching boots. She was a woman who knew her worth, and who wasn’t afraid to show it.

“Inside, you’ll find a state-of-the-art cockpit, with all the latest navigation and communication systems. The living quarters are spacious and comfortable, with plenty of room for a crew of up to six. And the cargo bay ... well, the cargo bay is large enough to carry enough supplies for a long-haul journey, or, if you’re so inclined, a few ... illicit goods.” She winked, a small, playful gesture that was both inviting and a little dangerous. She knew who she was dealing with, after all. She knew that the people who bought ships like the Stardust Drifter weren’t always on the right side of the law.

“Let’s get inside and see the rest, shall we?” She said, turning and leading them up the ramp. Kayden followed, with Ayumi and Alexa trailing behind him. He had to admit, he was impressed. The Stardust Drifter was everything Jelicia had promised, and more. The cockpit was a marvel of engineering, with a panoramic view of the stars, and a control panel that was both intuitive and powerful. The living quarters were just as impressive, with comfortable sleeping accommodations, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a quaint, but well-stocked, medical bay.

“So, what do you think?” Jelicia asked, her arms crossed under her breasts, her green eyes gleaming with pride. “Is she everything you were looking for?”

“She’s ... amazing,” Ayumi breathed, her one good eye wide with wonder as she ran her hand over the cool, smooth surface of the control panel. “I’ve never been on a ship this nice before.”

“It’s certainly ... impressive,” Kayden said, trying to keep the envy out of his voice. He could feel the pull of the ship, the desire to be at the controls, to feel the power of the engines humming beneath him. He could almost taste the freedom, the endless expanse of the void waiting to be explored. “But I’m guessing she’s also ... expensive.” Jelicia laughed, a low, throaty sound that was both sexy and a little bit mocking.

“Of course she is, darling,” she said, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But you get what you pay for, don’t you? And the Stardust Drifter is worth every credit. I promise you that.” She tilted her head. “Could we have a moment alone? To go over some ... things?”

“Sure.” He said, looking over at Ayumi and Alexa. “Aymui, Alexa, can you both wait for me outside? I want to talk to the saleswoman alone.” Kayden asked, not taking his eyes off Jelicia.

“Of course, Kayden,” Alexa said, her voice a calm, even monotone. She gave a small nod, then turned and walked down the ramp, her movements graceful and fluid.

“Fine by me,” Ayumi said, a little disappointed, but she didn’t argue. She shot Jelicia a curious look, then turned and followed Alexa, her small figure disappearing down the ramp.

“So,” Kayden said, once they were alone. “Let’s talk numbers.”

“Ah, straight to business,” Jelicia said. “I like that in a man. But before we do, there’s something you should know.” She stepped closer to him, her green eyes locking with his. He could smell her perfume, a mix of vanilla and spice that was both intoxicating and a little bit dangerous.

“The Stardust Drifter isn’t just any ship,” she said, her voice a low, confidential whisper. “She’s a custom build. One of a kind. And she has a few ... extra features that aren’t on the spec sheet.”

“Extra features?” Kayden asked, raising an eyebrow. “What kind of extra features?”