The morning after the extravagant dinner at one of Valeris City's finest restaurants, Ethan wakes up in his high-rise hotel suite, the soft hum of the city outside filling the quiet space. He stretches lazily, the warmth of last night's merriment still lingering in his mind. The laughter, the toasts, and the rowdiness had made it a celebration worth remembering. It wasn't just about the food or the luxury, it was about gratitude.
The hardworking engineers had poured their skill, sweat, and time into upgrading the Obsidian Wraith, ensuring that it would keep him safe on his journey. The least he could do was show his appreciation. Now, with the celebration behind him, it was time to focus on what came next.
Still in his casual sleepwear, Ethan moves to the suite's dining area, where a lavishly prepared breakfast tray awaits him, delivered via the hotel's automated service. The spread is an intriguing blend of Kynaran and foreign cuisine, a testament to Valeris' cosmopolitan nature as a budding hub of trade and culture.
He starts with a steaming cup of Harkesh Black Brew, a deep black liquid with a faintly iridescent shimmer, harvested from the Harkesh kelp fields of a distant water planet in the Aldaron Sector. Unlike Earth coffee, which relied on caffeine, Harkesh Brew contained natural neurostimulants that heightened focus while leaving a faintly sweet aftertaste on the tongue. He takes a slow sip, enjoying the way it warms his senses and sharpens his thoughts.
Next, he picks up a slice of Velkari Sunfruit Toast, a golden-crusted bread infused with the juices of the Velkari fruit, which is known for its rich, honey-like flavor and faint citrus tang. The toast is topped with a thin layer of Auric Butter, a creamy spread made from the milk of Trellian grazers, a species of domesticated livestock found on temperate moons. The taste is unlike anything from Earth, a mix of vanilla, caramel, and a faint nuttiness.
On the side, a small dish of Tarkari Strips. Thinly sliced meat from a reptilian species native to Kynara has been cooked to perfection, its edges crisped with a glaze of spice sauce. Each bite brings an explosion of savory and smoky flavors, undercut by a slight heat that lingers on the palate.
Finally, Ethan takes a forkful of Meyari Egg Hash, a dish made from the eggs of the Meyari burrowers, small creatures known for their protein-rich diet. The scrambled eggs have a vibrant violet hue, mixed with sautéed mushrooms, which give off a faintly earthy aroma with a touch of umami. The dish is topped with delicate crispy shards of Lirien Root, which add a pleasant crunch to the meal.
As he eats, he lets his mind wander to the day ahead. There are still a few tasks to complete before he can depart Kynara. People to see. Supplies to gather. One final look at the city before it becomes just another memory among the stars.
With his meal finished, he rises from the table, taking one last sip of his brew, before heading to the bathroom for a quick shower and change of clothes. Soon after, he checks out of the hotel, leaving behind the comfort of the suite for one final day in Valeris City.
After checking out of the hotel, Ethan makes his way through the bustling streets of Valeris City, heading toward the main hangar. The towering facility hums with activity, ships coming and going, mechanics running last-minute diagnostics, cargo haulers loading supplies. Despite the controlled chaos, his focus remains on one particular ship preparing for departure: the vessel that would take Raevis and her team back to Ashen Prime.
As he approaches, the crew is in high spirits, some still feeling the aftereffects of the previous night's celebration. Their voices echo across the hangar, trading jokes and laughs while finishing up their pre-flight routines. Even in the midst of their departure preparations, they exude the same rowdy energy that had made them such an entertaining bunch to be around.
Raevis, standing near the boarding ramp with her arms crossed, spots him first. A familiar smirk plays on her lips as she calls out.
"Thought you'd be too busy nursing a hangover to show up, Captain."
Ethan smirks right back, hands in his pockets as he stops in front of her.
"I never get hangovers because i know precisely when to stop."
One of the younger engineers, Kellen, chuckles, rubbing his temples. "Wish I could say the same. Feels like my brain's been replaced with a malfunctioning grav-drive."
"That's what you get for trying to match Raevis drink for drink," another engineer, Mena, chimes in, nudging him with her elbow.
The laughter that follows is genuine, a reflection of the bond they'd shown over the past few weeks. There was something special about this crew. A mix of raw talent, humor, and unwavering loyalty to their craft.
As the final systems checks are completed, the team gathers around him, eager to say their goodbyes. Some of the younger engineers, still brimming with enthusiasm, pester him relentlessly about stopping by Ashen Prime in the future.
"You better visit us, Captain," Kellen insists. "We'll even give free repairs to your ship again if it means we get to see our 'baby' in action."
Ethan chuckles, shaking his head. "You just want an excuse to tinker with the Wraith again."
Mena grins. "Maybe. But admit it, Captain...you're gonna miss us."
He pauses for a moment, letting their words settle. There was truth in them. Despite his usual lone-wolf nature, he'd grown to appreciate this crew and their relentless dedication.
"I'll drop by very soon when I visit the space station before leaving the Ashen Sector."
Raevis studies him for a second before nodding. "Good. Would be a shame if the next time we saw the Wraith, it was in some scrapyard because you flew her straight into a star."
Ethan smirks. "Not gonna happen. You built her too damn well."
With that, they exchange firm handshakes and parting words, the moment light-hearted and filled with warmth.
The boarding ramp closes, and the ship's engines ignite, sending waves of heated air rippling across the hangar floor. The crew gives Ethan one last wave and salute from the ship's viewports as the vessels begins to lift off.
Standing there, he watches as the ship rises into the sky alongside its security escorts, piercing through the atmosphere before disappearing into the vastness of space.
For a moment, he simply stands there, hands still in his pockets, eyes locked on the fading contrail.
Then, with a slow exhale, he turns away, setting his sights on the city beyond. There was still more to do before he left Kynara.