Chapter 86: The Approach
The stars stretched endlessly as Raizen's flagship, the Shadow Fang, cut through the void toward the refinery station. From a distance, the station appeared massive—a sprawling industrial hub with thick defensive plating and multiple docking bays. Unlike noble-controlled stations, this one was fully independent, which meant no official military backing. However, that also meant it relied on private security forces, many of whom had been former mercenaries or pirates.
Liana's voice broke the silence. "We're approaching communications range. If we're making contact first, now's the time."
Raizen glanced at the holo-screen displaying the refinery's defense grid. "Patch me through."
A moment later, a gravelly female voice crackled over the comms. "Unidentified vessel, state your business."
Raizen smirked. "I'm here to speak with Sera Volkan. Tell her Raizen Izumoto has a proposition she won't want to ignore."
Silence followed, but then another voice came through—calm, measured, and confident.
"This is Sera Volkan. I don't entertain unsolicited negotiations. State your purpose or leave before my gunners make you."
Joran let out a low whistle. "She's direct."
Raizen leaned forward. "I'm offering an alliance. Your refinery is valuable, but it's vulnerable. The faction that funded Mouren's mercenaries? They won't stop with him. Eventually, they'll come for you, and you won't last without backing."
Sera let out a dry laugh. "And I assume you're offering that backing?"
"Under my banner, you won't have to worry about scavengers or nobles trying to bleed you dry," Raizen replied. "In return, I get priority access to your mineral refining."
A pause. Then: "You assume I'm afraid of nobles."
Raizen's golden eyes gleamed. "You should be. They don't fight fair. I do."
Silence again. Then Sera sighed. "Dock at Bay Six. We'll talk—briefly."
Raizen smirked. "See you soon."
The docking bay was sprawling with activity, workers moving cargo and engineers tending to maintenance drones. Raizen stepped off his ship, flanked by Kain and Liana. Ahead, Sera Volkan stood waiting, arms crossed. She was tall, with a scar running along her cheek and sharp steel-gray eyes that spoke of experience. She wore a fitted combat suit, one hand resting near the blaster holstered at her hip.
"You're either reckless or ambitious," Sera said. "Probably both."
Raizen smirked. "You wouldn't have let me land if you weren't at least curious."
She studied him for a moment before gesturing toward a private meeting room. "Let's talk. But if I don't like what I hear, you're leaving this station in a body bag."
Kain chuckled. "She's charming."
Raizen grinned. "I like her already."