Next Day

The desert sun was already rising over Nevada when Cain opened his eyes, but he wasn't met with sunshine, but metal walls. The guest quarters at Theta-4 were quiet, sterile not a creaky cabin in Montana but a windowless room with steel walls and a cot that smelled faintly of disinfectant. For a moment he lay there, staring at the ceiling, letting the weight of it all press in.

Yesterday, he was just a kid in a truck healing to his cabin to clean up the Cain. And today, he was standing at the edge of something much bigger. He rubbed his face as he started to see this was legit, he was in a government facility and aliens were real. He sat up, swung his legs over the side of the bed, and rubbed the sleep from his face again.

He looked at his stuff, piled in the corner and sees the files he had to read last night. It went over the legal stuff he had to sign, making it clear if he told anyone outside the DELT about this, he'll be jailed for life with no chances of parole. The DELT may not be the shadow type that kills ya, but they took their jobs serious to cover this. He sighed as he rubbed his face again, deciding that he needs to start taking this seriously and stop mopping around, he had a job to do now

"Alright Mercer, time to stop moping around," he said to himself,"let's see if you can actually do this."

He dressed in the standard-issue fatigues left folded at the foot of the bed, simple gray trousers, boots, and a black undershirt. The clothes felt unfamiliar, but practical with no frills or nostalgia. Just forward motion, something he liked.

Cain stepped into the corridor, the low hum of power systems vibrating under his boots. The hallway stretched long, lined with doors and busy personnel. Scientists in lab coats carried datapads, engineers barked at drones hauling crates, and uniformed DELT officers strode briskly with clipboards. The air smelled faintly of ozone and fuel, which is standard if the area was filled with ships.

He walked through it all quietly, hands in his pockets, absorbing everything in his eyes. Every corner hummed with activity, alien and human voices mingled as naturally as if this had always been Earth's way. A S'relith lizardman walked past with a case of tools slung over one shoulder. A Ravik scurried along the floor, chattering into a commlink. A Solarii unit glided past, its glowing optics scanning Cain for half a second before returning to its tasks.

Cain didn't joke this time, if he was gonna take this serious and show he can do this, he needed to listen. So he just watched and listened to everything as he walked by, and kept walking to met Walker in his office.

At the end of the corridor, Cain reached the now-familiar double doors. They slid open, revealing Director-General Walker's office, and the man stood by the window, as composed as ever, gazing down into the hangar where ships bustled under bright lights. When Cain entered, Walker turned with a measured nod to the kid.

"Morning, Mercer," Walker said,"did you sleep well?"

"As well as anyone can when they find out yesterday the galaxy's bigger than they thought," Cain said with a shrug,"but can't complain, bed was softer then my old one at college."

Walker's expression softened, it almost a smile, but he decided to not press further on the matter. He knew the kid was struggling to get use to the new reality he was in and he couldn't blame him, he was the same when he was younger. He can see Cain tossed the sarcasm aside a bit for this, showing a sign of true growth, to show he was ready for this

"Good, you'll need that seriousness for today, as you begin your training," Walker said,"and I'd like you to meet the ones who'll make sure you survive long enough to matter."

He gestured toward the side of the room as two figures walked in through the door in the back of the office.

The first was tall, lean, and unmistakably female Vehlari. Her skin was a deep sapphire-blue, her eyes were bright silver that seemed to catch every detail. Long, swept-back hair was tied in intricate braids, and she wore a fitted flight jacket adorned with patches from dozens of systems. Every movement carried sharp confidence, clearly a veteran Runner.

The second was a Korthan, towering nearly a foot over Cain. His beetle-like frame was encased in chitinous armor that gleamed under the office lights. Four arms folded neatly across his chest, and a pair of tusk-like mandibles clicked once as he sized Cain up. Despite his imposing form, there was a calm steadiness in his posture, the kind of presence that spoke of patience earned over decades.

"Meet Captain Sira Veylan and Sergeant Krassok Varn, both are Runner veterans," Walker said,"both loyal to the Code and have agreed to train you, to prepare for this life."

Sira stepped forward first, extending a hand to him. Cain shook her hand firmly, meeting her gaze to show respect to her. Her hands were rough but a little smooth, showing someone who worked hard.

"Cain Mercer, I flew with your grandfather once, long ago," Sira said,"he saved my crew when Syndicate raiders pinned us in the Halros Corridor. If you have half his instincts, you'll make a fine Runner like him."

"Then I've got a lot to live up to," Cain said,"and I hope to honor his memory ma'am."

Sira gave a small smile and a nod, approving of Cains goal, but not enough to be indulgent. She was respectful, she wasn't gonna make it easy for him, he can tell, but he didn't mind it if it means being a Runner. Then Krassok stepped forward, his heavy shadow loomed over Cain as his mandibles clicked softly.

"You are small, fragile and unproven," he said,"Elias was none of these things by the time I met him, you will learn like he did. Or you will die, both are acceptable to me. One honors your grandfather more."

Cain stiffened slightly but nodded, refusing to flinch to the massive alien figure.

"Guess I'd better learn then," Cain said

Krassok tilted his massive head, and for a moment, Cain thought he saw the faintest hint of amusement. Walker clasped his hands behind his back, making the three look back at him.

"They'll start with fundamentals," Walker said,"navigation, cargo security, combat protocols. You'll learn what every Runner must, the Code is more than fancy words. It's life, treat it lightly, and you'll not only fail yourself, you'll dishonor Elias."

Cain exhaled slowly, looking between Sira and Krassok.

"I get it, no shortcuts or smartass jokes," Cain said,"just...do the work."

Sira gave a sharp nod at that.

"Good, you'll need that attitude," Sira said,"the Jackal will test you as much as we will."

Krassok rumbled low in his chest, a sound like stone grinding against stone.

"The Haul is Sacred," Krassok said,"say it."

Cain straightened, his voice steady and even, not back down against the massive figure.

"The Haul is Sacred," Cain said

The words hung in the office like a vow, with the two Runners giving a small smirk, or in Krassok case, a gruntal click. Walker allowed himself a faint smile, then gestured toward the door.

"Then it's time you saw the inside of the Jackal," Walker said,"your training begins now."

They followed Walker out of the room and back to the hangar where the Jackal resided. The blast doors parted with a heavy groan, revealing the docking bay where the Red Jackal sat waiting. The ship loomed before Cain, crimson hull faded but proud, scars from decades of service carved across its plating. To him, it looked both ancient and alive, like a sleeping beast that was ready to fly again.

Sira strode ahead, her long strides confident, and Krassok lumbered behind, his heavy frame making the steel floor groan with each step. Cain followed, eyes fixed on the Jackal as they approached the ramp, again feeling like he was close to his grandfather again. The two looked up at the ship, and Cain looks at them and can see a hint of reminiscing, the history clear to them

"The Red Jackal is a Trevaka Freighter Class Carrier, created by the S'erlith 200 years ago," Sira said,"she's old, stubborn, and has more history than most planets. Ships like this aren't just machines Cain, they're your partners and your home. Treat her well, and she'll carry you through storms you can't imagine."

"Treat her poorly, and she will kill you," Krassok said,"it also shows you do not care for the role, which makes other Runners see carelessness."

Cain gave a short nod, taking the words seriously this time, he would have said something sarcastic...but he can't play around. He ran a hand along the Jackal's hull as they ascended the ramp inside the ship. The metal was rough, dented, worn smooth in places by Elias' touch.

Inside, the ship smelled faintly of oil, metal, and old coffee, Elias' smell was still lingering inside it. The cargo bay stretched wide, crates stacked along reinforced walls. The interior lights flickered to life as Sira keyed the main power panel, activating the reactor for the first time in a long time

"It hasn't been fully activated for almost 20 years," Walker said as he followed,"nice to see she still has some kick left in her."

"20 years, why did grandpa leave the Runners," Cain asked

"To raise you," Krassok said as he walked by

Cain looked at the Korthan, a bit of pain edged on his face, but steeled himself. Sira turned to Cain, gesturing at the vast hold before him. Seeing massive clamps all around, Cain guessed that's where the cargo keeps secured when he picks up a load.

"This is your heart, the cargo bay," she said,"every job you'll take depends on this space. It's not just storage, it's a vault where your money comes from. You'll inspect, secure, and deliver the cargo . That's Code Rule Nine, if you break it, you'll lose more than money."

She walked to the set of heavy magnetic clamps bolted to the floor.

"These are your clamps, they keep cargo steady during jumps," Sira said,"they're old, but effective. Always triple-check them before departure."

"Three taps on the clamp before takeoff," Krassok said as he leaned in, mandibles clicking,"it is tradition of Runners, also superstition. Do it, or the Guild will call you cursed."

Cain crouched, tapping the clamp with his knuckles. They were hard as hell, but luckily his knuckles were split open by it

"Three taps, got it," Cain said,"why is that?"

"As I said, tradition for Runners. Some say the founder use to tap them three times when he was just a regular transporter for the corporations before founding the Guild

Cain nodded a that, makes sense if you think about, if the founder did it, its sign of good luck so all Runner did it. They moved to a corner of the bay where Elias' old workshop sat, cluttered with tools, half-welded panels, and the bulky shape of the ship's Fabricator, or to the Runners, "The Forge."

"This is your Fabricator, or as we call it, The Forge," Sira said,"she prints ammo, hull patches, and spare parts from raw material. She's slow and temperamental, but without her, you're stuck begging for scraps."

She slapped the machine's side, and it wheezed, a panel popping open with a hiss. Cain looked at it as it looked like something from a sci-fi novel or film. He knew fabricators were real technology, but that was just 3D Printers or low level stuff companies make.

"Your grandfather used to kick it when it jammed," Sira said,"it worked for him, might work for you."

Cain chuckled softly but kept his focus, running a hand across the machine's scratched surface. Krassok stepped forward, pointing to a console bolted to the wall nearby. It was connected to a table on the side, about the size of a regular beach, with a lid lifted upward.

"This is your Runner's Bench," Krassok explained,"it's an upgrades terminal, devours Lumens to do so. Gives you better weapons, stronger engines, stronger hull. But it is hungry, you will come to hate it, but you will need it."

Cain looked at the flickering console.

"Guess it can't be avoided," Cain said,"if you want shit, gotta pay for it."

"Indeed," the two said

Next, they passed through a sealed bulkhead into the armory. Racks lined the walls, holding rifles, pistols, grenades, and Elias' old gear still tucked neatly into place. Sira picked up a Guild-standard rifle, checking the charge pack with practiced ease. It looked like something from a video game, it was rectangular, with a barrel on the end about 5 inches in length, with a handle and grip at the end

"Your rifle, the Guild Standard," Sira said,"fires standard plasma rounds, medium range and reliable, but eats through ammo faster than you'd like. Respect the recoil, it's small, but it'll throw your aim if you're carelessly."

She handed it to Cain, who knew how to use a gun thanks to Elias teaching him. He hefted the rifle, surprised by the weight, looking it over as he removed the Charge Pack and tossed it in his hand and puts it back in, and gave a short nod. Krassok stepped to a pistol rack, pulling free a compact sidearm. It looked like the same one from the box Elias had at the house

"Your pistol, nicknamed The Saver, never leave your quarters without it," Krassok said,"if your rifle fails, this saves your life. Small, quick, efficient. Many Runners owe their lives to this weapon."

Cain holstered it, the weight strangely comforting at his side, it was bulky, but still felt comfortable. Sira pointed to a locked case, which Cain walked to and opened, inside was multi colored round objects. And on the side was a metal stick, with a rubber handle on the bottom of it

"Grenades, EMP pulses and a shock baton, don't waste them as they're expensive," Sira said,"learn to fight with your hands before you waste tools."

"Or with four hands," Krassok rumbled, with an amused clicking, which Cain summoned up as a version of chuckling.

They then continued down the corridor into a cramped chamber with a single Cryo-Med Pod and shelves of supplies.

"Your medbay, its bare-bones, but functional for the time," Sira said,"keeps someone alive long enough to get real help. Don't rely on it unless you have no choice."

Krassok picked up a Med-Injektor, holding it out to Cain. He grabbed it and looked it over, it looked like a syringe you see at a doctors, but it was blocky with a the front part is green, with language he couldn't read yet.

"Painkillers, antibiotics and coagulants," Krassok said,"it is primitive, but effective none the less. Carry one or 2 with always."

"Is there like a wrist mounted version of one," Cain asked as he placed the Med-Injektor back

"Yes, but Elias lost him during one of his last missions, but you can get a new one."

"But let me guess, expensive as shit?"

"Indeed."

Cabin nodded, adding that to his growing shopping list for intergalactic items.

Finally, they climbed a narrow ladder into the bridge. The cockpit stretched forward with two worn pilot chairs, consoles lit by faint blue glow. The viewport framed the hangar like a window into the galaxy beyond. Elias' personal touches were still here, a cracked coffee mug on the dash, a worn grey vest draped over the copilot's chair.

Cain stood silently, taking it all in as he walked to the pilots seat, grabbing the vest and dusted it off. It was Elias, with the Guilds symbol on the left side, with his name in English and alien language underneath it. He put it back as Sira walked up and placed a hand on the console, wiping the dust off of it.

"This is where you'll live or die," she said,"the Jackal isn't sleek or fast but she's strong and more reliable than any other ship in the galaxy. She'll hold together if you respect her as Elias did."

Krassok leaned over the console, pointing to the controls with his top right hand.

"Engines here, shields here and weapons there," he said, point to each control,"learn them until they are muscle memory. If you think to slow, you die. If you act faster, you live."

Cain sat slowly in the pilot's chair, running his hands over the worn controls. They were familiar in a way he couldn't explain, like Elias' presence lingered in every dent and scratch. He exhaled, steady and focused as he placed his hands on the controls, feeling the texture of the controls. Then he turned to him, the two seeing a drastic change form the boy

"Alright," Cain said, determination laced in his voice,"show me everything. I'm ready to learn what my grandpa did."

"You are determined," Krassok said

"If my grandfather gave me this chance, I won't waste it."

Sira and Krassok exchanged a glance, one approving while the other unreadable, before stepping forward to begin the real lessons. The Red Jackal hummed faintly around them, as if waking to presence of her new captain and the chance to fly again.

Day 2 of Training

The following morning, Cain found himself standing in the Red Jackal's cargo bay, sweat already running down his back from the desert heat bleeding through the hangar walls. Sira stood at his side, arms crossed, while Krassok loomed nearby with a datapad that looked tiny in his massive claws.

"Alright, Mercer, Lesson one: learn your weapons," Sira said,"Runners don't fire first, Code Rule Three, but if you don't know how to defend yourself, you won't last a cycle."

She led him to the armory and keyed open a long, reinforced case. Inside rested rifles, pistols, and practice packs of plasma ammo, along with regular rifles and ammo. Cain picked up the rifle he'd been issued yesterday, checking the charge pack and loaded it. He then walked to the testing range and shouldered it, with Sira at his side

"Grip higher, elbow tighter,' Sira said,"you're not holding a toy, you're holding a weapon that will be the difference between life or death."

Cain adjusted, nodding as she corrected his stance.

"He looks like hatchling, pointing stick at wall," Krassok said,"pathetic."

Cain bit back the retort on his tongue and focused down the firing lane. He squeezed the trigger and the rifle barked loudly, a bolt of plasma streaking into the target. He flinched slightly at the recoil, it was hard, but not too strong to hurt him severely.

"Better, now do it again, but aim lower this time," Sira said,"the recoil climbs every time you pull the trigger. Feel the weapon, don't fight against it."

They drilled for an hour, Cain's arms aching from the repetition. His accuracy sharpened, shots clustering closer to center mass. When his charge pack finally whined empty, Krassok stomped forward, thrusting a cleaning kit into his hands.

"Lesson two: clean it," Krassok said,"a dirty weapon kills its owner."

Cain stripped the rifle under Krassok's watchful eyes and instructions, scrubbing carbon buildup, reassembling piece by piece. Krassok didn't praise him when he finished, just grunted once.

"Acceptable...for a hatchling," Krassok said

From there, Sira led Cain to a simulation bay, a holographic environment that projected the Jackal in zero-g. The ship's hull shimmered in light as alarms blared. He looked as technicians as they seem to be observing and running the simulation for this training course. Cain was outfitted with EVA thrusters, along with a ZG filter mask and harness

"You will be patching a hull breach," Sira said,"your tools will be nano-patches, seal foam and a plasma torch. Timer is set foot three minutes before atmosphere vents. Go."

Cain grabbed the kit, launching himself clumsily with the EVA thrusters, almost landing face first into the hull. He slammed against the hull, bounced off, cursed under his breath, then steadied himself and clamped his harness to it. He slapped the nano-patch across the simulated breach, but it was too slow. The timer screamed red, covering the entire room.

Cain sighed as he leaned gripped the handle bar on the hull and rested his against it. Sira didn't make any emotions, but nodded her had and waved him back down, while Krassok's mandibles clicked in disdain.

"Dead already," Krassok said

Cain exhaled sharply as he walked back down, while Sira signaled to reset the sim. When it was done, he pushed off smoother than the first time, slapped the foam seal first, welded the edges with the torch, then reinforced with a nano-patch. The timer clicked green just as the alarm cut off, showing he finished in time.

"Better, every Runner fails the first time," Sira said,"remember, Inspect. Secure. Deliver. A breached hull means no cargo, and no cargo means you've failed."

"Got it," Cain said,"don't fail, don't die and do not lose the crates."

After Cain ran the sim a few more times, they brought him to the Jackal's engineering bay, where massive fuel cells thrummed with low power. Sira tapped the console, displaying tanks of shimmering blue liquid.

"This is your fuel, it's called Cryoflux," Sira said,"condensed hydrogen stabilized with Solarii tech. Dangerous if mishandled, and if poured wrong, you'll melt through the bay floor."

Cain frowned, watching a mechanic transfer fuel with long, heavy hoses between them.

"So basically cosmic gasoline that eats steel for breakfast," Cain said as he nodded,"got it, don't mess up refueling."

"Exactly, you'll learn the valves, the gauges, the shutoff sequence," Sira said,"memorize them, if you miscalculate mid-jump, the Jackal becomes shrapnel."

Krassok lumbered forward, slamming a claw on the console.

"Repeat, what is fuel," he asked

Cain straightened, reciting what Sira told him.

"Cryoflux, condensed hydrogen, stabilized with Solarii tech," Cain said,"if handled wrong, it melts through the bay. Gauges, valves and shutoff sequence. Memorize or die like an idiot ."

Krassok's mandibles clicked once in approval.

"Good, not hatchling anymore," Krassok said, then tilted his head,"maybe larva."

Cain rolled his eyes faintly but didn't argue, he'll take what he can get. The last lesson of the day came back in the hold. Stacks of training crates sat on the floor — some light, some heavy, some marked with hazard symbols. Sira handed Cain a scanner device, it looked like a massive smart phone with a bulkier design.

"Cargo is your life, before you secure it, you scan it to ensure there are no anomalies," Sira said"such as explosives, radiation or contraband, the Guild punishes ignorance as harshly as betrayal."

Cain waved the scanner across the first crate, a small beeping sound coming in a few times. The wand beeped green, with CLEAN appearing in bold green words on the front.

"Create 1 is clean," he said as he resets it,"onto the next."

The second crate beeped orange immediately when he moved it to the create. Cain frowned, checked the display, and saw: Hazardous — volatile gas. Sira handled him a tape that looked like it glowed in the dark. He grabbed it and formed an X on, with letters appearing on it. Soon it had hazardous flowing through over it."

"Woah, what is this," he asked

"Holograph-tape, if you find any materials that are dangerous or illegal, the scanner will connect to it and display the warning," Sira said, making Cain nod,"next, now that you flagged it, secure it with the clamps to ensure it doesn't slip."

Cain wrestled the crate into place, locking it down with magnetic clamps. He tapped the clamp three times, remembering Krassok's superstition. Krassok rumbled with faint amusement, the clicking returning as well.

"You learn," Krassok said

Cain wiped the sweat from his brow, moving to the next crate, continuing to train. Some contained ore samples, some liquors, some consumer goods, the mundane lifeblood of the galaxy. Each one mattered, so each one had to be secured. Cause each create in here will support someone else who needed it, so he had to make sure it got there

"Your grandfather always said a Runner wasn't defined by how well they fought, but by how well they delivered," Sira said,"every crate has a story and for every haul you carry, a life is behind it."

Cain glanced at her, then back at the sealed cargo. He tapped the clamp one last time, a sign of good luck.

"Then I'll make sure I don't screw it up," Cain said

By the time training ended, Cain's arms ached, his shirt clung with sweat, and his head spun with new knowledge. Weapons, repairs, fuel, cargo, all crammed into one exhausting day. His head hurt, a migraine forming after today, he sipped some water and aspirin, as Krassok walked by and rumbled low in approval. With Sira giving Cain the faintest smile.

"Not dead or broken," Krassok said, nodding his head,"progress."

"We'll make a Runner of you yet," Sira said

Cain nodded at them, then sank into the pilot's chair of the Jackal that evening, running his hands over the controls. For the first time since Elias' death, he didn't feel lost. Just...tired, but more importantly...ready.

Day 3 of Training

The next day, Cain sat at a metal table inside one of Theta-4's briefing rooms. The room smelled faintly of sanitizer and machine oil, the hum of alien generators vibrating through the walls. Across from him stood Sira and Krassok, each holding a small case with writing on it. Sira placed hers down first, opening it with a hiss.

Inside lay several small metallic capsules, each no larger than a pill you see at a pharmacy. Their surfaces shimmered faintly, almost organic, like mercury trapped in glass.

"First lesson of the day is language," Sira explained,"the Guild is made up of dozens of species, each with their own tongue. No one expects you to learn them all within a day. That's what this is for to help."

She picked up one capsule with slender fingers and rolled it between her palms.

"A Linguacore, you swallow it to allow the nanofilaments to attach to your vocal cords and auditory nerves, allowing instant translation," Sira explained,"you'll speak in your own voice, but everyone will hear you in their language. And you'll hear them in yours."

"You want me to...swallow that," he asked,"that thing looks like a battery pack for a hearing aid."

Krassok rumbled low in his chest, mandibles clacking, like he was almost chuckling at him.

"Or you can spend the next decade squeaking, hissing, and chirping until someone kills you for an insult you didn't mean," Krassok said, almost sounding smug

Cain eyed the capsule again, sighing as he can't argue with the Korthan, he rather do the simple route then so all that. He picked it up, popped it in his mouth, and swallowed hard. For a moment he felt nothing at all, but then a strange tingling sensation spread across his throat and into his ears. He coughed once, grimacing as he gagged a bit as it had a metal aftertaste.

"...Tastes like old pennies from the 1920's," he said

"Standard side effect, it'll fade soon," Sira said

She leaned forward, speaking suddenly in rapid, lilting Vehlari. The words were fluid, melodic, nothing Cain recognized. Yet, clear as day, his ears processed it in English. Like a radio correcting to the right frequency, or in this case, his mind to understand the alien language.

"—Can you understand me," Sira asked

"Yeah perfectly," Cain said, eyes widen silently,"it sounds like English to me."

Krassok growled something deep and guttural in Korthan. The sound was almost like rocks grinding together, impossible to mimic even if he tried. But Cain heard it in plain words, rough but clear enough for him to hear

"Good, hatchling is less useless now," Krassok said

"Okay... pretty badass," Cain said

Krassok placed his own case on the table, snapping it open with his hands. Inside were small hexagonal chips, each one glowing faintly with colored light. Blue, green, silver, and gold, all with white diamonds in the middle.

"These are Lumens, the currency of the galaxy," Krassk said,"and without them, you are nothing. Each chip carries value, with each colored representing how much is."

"Oh yeah, saw these when I arrived," Cain said as he grabbed one, a green ship

Sira gestured at the case, her tone sharp and precise like a teacher.

"Blue equals one Lumen, the smallest denomination in the market," she said,"green equals ten. Silver equals one hundred and gold equals one thousand. Every transaction, every contract, every upgrade comes down to these. You'll carry them in a secured credit pouch tied to your biometrics. Lose them, and you're broke. Worse, you're dishonored."

Cain looked at the green chip he picked up, turning it over in his fingers. It felt surprisingly heavy for its size, no doubt given the small history lesson Brooks and Hale gave him

"So they're like the space equivalent to quarters, nickels, and Benjamins," Cain asked

"Think of it however helps you remember," Sira said,"but understand that the Solarii regulate Lumens. Their Trust controls the flow, the exchange rates, everything. You try to cheat them, and you won't live to regret it."

Krassok's mandibles clicked in a sharp rhythm, his version of emphasis on important matters.

"You will spend Lumens faster than you earn them," Krassok said,"ship repairs, fuel and docking fees, plus upgrades to the ship and weapons. You will hate the system, everyone does, but it keeps the Guild alive and funds the galaxy."

Cain frowned, setting the chip back carefully as if it was gold, which if you think about it...it was.

"So, basically work your ass off to break even and don't spend it willy nilly," Cain said,"sounds familiar to what grandpa did with me when I did chores."

"You'll learn to survive on it," Sira said,"just like Elias did. On to the next lesson"

Sira snapped the case closed and gestured toward a tray sitting nearby. On it were samples of alien foods, small portions, sealed neatly in vacuum packs.

"This lesson is on what you can eat and what you must avoid for your safety," Sira said,"you'll be sharing tables with every race. Hospitality matters, but one mistake can kill you faster than a plasma round."

She held up a small piece of glistening fruit, violet in color, and reminds him of the blueberries he and Elias picked at the cabin.

"This is a Veylan berry," she explained,"it's edible for humans, with a sweet tang to it. Popular among the Vehlari, especially the High Noble class."

Cain took it, popped it in his mouth, and chewed cautiously. His eyebrows rose as it was sweet, in not a normal human way, like it was eating some dunged in all the sweets in the world and it was balanced amazingly.

"Dang that good," he said as he swallowed,"it's like a blueberry and a grape had a kid."

Sira nodded once, then she held up a cube of something green, gelatinous with a little twitch. And for some reason, Cain had a feeling that is C4 in jello form.

"...Why does that thing look menacing," Cain asked

"Korthan starch gel, edible for Korthan only," Sira said,"if a human swallows it, the gel expands in the gut and ruptures the stomach."

"...Yeah, I'll pass on that. I like my insides where they are."

Krassok rumbled deep, mandibles clacking in something almost like amusement. He grabbed the gel and popped it into his mouth, swallowing it like it was him popping a fruit in his mouth. Cain swore he heard the guys stomach rumble as it digested in there...yeah he was never gonna eat that.

"Wise hatchling," Krassok said,"but missing out, tasty gel."

Next, Sira pointed to a bottle, it was neon green, with small traces of blue neon light in it. It was almost beautiful, wondering where it came from and hopes he can try it."

"Vehlari wine, so potent humans metabolize it poorly," Sira said,"one sip will put you unconscious for a day or two. Three sips may kill you."

Cain blinked at the flask, shaking his head, both in shock and disappointment.

"So it's intergalactic tequila times ten," Cain said,"noted."

"Correct,' Sira said,"never accept a toast unless you know what's in the glass."

She placed the flask aside and gestured to the last item: a dark, leathery strip of dried meat. And for some reason, Cain was getting a bad vibe from it like the gel

"Ravik jerky," she explained,"it's technically safe, but it's soaked in preservatives strong enough to corrode your teeth. Avoid unless you enjoy dental surgeries."

Cain picked it up, sniffed, then dropped it immediately. It smelt like if it was doused in acid, all the disgusting sauces in the world and pissed on by literal rats. Even Sira flinched at the smell, clearly she wasn't a fan of it as well. Krassok just grabbed it and popped it into his mouth like it was a normal piece of jerky.

"Smells like burned rubber," Cain said,"yeah, no thanks

"Understand this, Cain. Runners don't survive because they're the best shots or the fastest pilots," Sira said,"they survive because they adapt. From languages, to money and what they eat and drink. Elias survived because he learned quickly, and if you want to carry his Seal, you'll do the same."

Krassok rumbled low, mandibles clicking in rhythm as normal.

"Adapt or die, the galaxy does not care about hatchlings," Krassok said

"No shortcuts, embrace the suck and adapt to the situation," Cain said

Sira finally allowed herself the faintest smile, with Krassok chuckling again with a nod.

"Good, get some rest Cain," Sira said,"for tomorrow you'll face your first simulation run. Let's see if the Jackal accepts you."

Cain glanced at the Jackal through the window, its scarred red hull glowing faintly under the hangar lights. His jaw tightened, determination building under the weight of it all. He was ready, he was gonna fly soon and soon...go into space

"Go rest, I need to speak with Walker on this matter," Sira said as she walked off to Walkers office

She looked around as she saw other races work on the ships, some glancing at her and back at their work. She sighed as she reached Walkers office, he was on a holocall with one of the Ravik engineers, reporting that the vessel belonging to Orion Dynamics arrived with the necessary parts. He nodded and gave his orders to the engineer, then hanged up the call

"How's he doing," Walker asked as Sira sat across from him

"Determined, more then I ever saw in a Greenhorn," she said,"he is taking this very serious, more so then I thought. I expected more sarcasm during the last few testings."

"Well his whole reality has changed in the last few days, so he has to adapt fast. Mental state?"

"Solid, keep busy with reading manuals he is given and stays focus. Cracks a joke or two here and there, helps him get through the day and keeps him stable. I am impressed he is managing to achieve more in a few a few days than other Greenhorns."

"Well Elias was the same, the drive and thrill of adventure always drove him, so that some impact."

"Yes, but are we moving to fast," Sira asked, a look of worry,"Runners usual take months of training and your giving him only weeks. What is happening Sam?"

Samuel leaned back in his chair, his face looking like his age. He rubbed his nose as he looked at her.

"A few of the senators want to hurry up and get a new Runner out there fast," Walker said,"scared that one of the other Branches will get one out there before us. The DELT doesn't answer to political agendas of Earth, but the galaxy as a whole."

"So your government wants to make sure an American gets out before them to gain better access," Sira said, her voice carrying a hint of venom,"typical of humans, to focus more on politics then the state of your people."

"Trust me I'm pissed off then you at this, I made it clear Cain will be ready and will be a Runner cause he wants to be. Independent and not have a leash so the government can have a dog to order around."

"So your gave him to us in hopes of both speeding it and making sure he got proper training," Sira asked, with Walker nodding

"The kid is only 19, and exposed to a whole new world he is trying to wrap his head around. Plus he lost not only his grandfather, his last family member on Earth, this is to much on him. Elias...he was my friend, I don't want to drag his grandson into this more than we already have."

"...Are you shielding him from the politicians," Sira asked

"Like I'm the most damn stubborn shield wall in human history," Walker said, the two chuckling,"I'm making it clear Cain is a independent Runner, do this to support Earths reputation in the Guild and the galaxy as a whole. Not just America, and told them to stuff their agendas up their asses."

The two chuckled at that, knowing that the politicians are getting what they deserve for being micromanaging idiots. The two gave their farewells and Sira looked down to see Cain speaking with Hale and Brooks, no doubt learning more about the history of the DELT.

"Your boy is something else, Elias...my dear," she said and walked off

Day 4 of Training

The next morning, Cain walked into the hangar to find Sira already waiting in the Jackal's cockpit. She was seated in the co-pilot's chair, legs crossed, a datapad glowing in her lap. Krassok filled the entryway behind Cain, ducking his massive frame just to squeeze through. Sira didn't look up as Cain settled into the pilot's chair.

"Cain, morning," she said, lowing the pad,"you've walked the halls and studied the gear. Now you learn the most important lesson: how to keep this beast in the sky."

She finally raised her eyes, silver irises sharp and her tinge sharper, showing this was more serious than anything else.

"Do not think of the Jackal as a car or plane, think of her as a creature," Sira said,"old, scarred, stubborn, filled with years of experience and strength. She'll fight you if you try to muscle her. But if you listen to her, she'll carry you throughout your journey."

Cain rested his hands on the controls, feeling the worn grips under his palms. He took a deep breath and exhaled, trying to focus himself for this, he didn't want to screw up, this was probably the most important and difficult training he has ever done. This wasn't college homework or a simple license permit, this was a spaceship. And he needed to be ready to fly this.

"Alright, where do we start," he asked

"Do you have the ignition chip," Krassok asked

Cain reached into his pockets and proceeded the chip, the home from the box Elias left him. He figured it would be important for training so he brought it along for this. Which seemed like the right course as the 2 nodded at this, Cain looked at the controls and sees where he believes it should go. So he slots it in and soon the entire ship came alive, the engined roaring to life.

"Excellent work, didn't even need to show you where to insert it," Sira said

"Grandpa did say it was a key, and ignitions are close to the steering wheel," Cain said,"I know you said to not treat it like a car, but I thought basic things would imply here a bit."

"If it works, it works," Krassok said,"and I believe we don't have to tell you to not lose that, am I correct?"

"Yeah no need to drill that part in, Grandpa already did that when I got the Chevy for my birthday. But just to ask, can Runners Ignition Chips be hacked or copy?"

"There has been a few, but they haven't gotten close enough to stealing the ships," Sira said,"Ignition Chips are coded to your biometrics, and since you share the same with Elias, it doesn't need to be reprogrammed. Many have tried to hack them, but it ends with them either self destructing or recovered."

"Solarii tech I presume?"

"Some, it's actually a bit of Ravik," Krassok said,"so I will say this, do not lose or you will dishonor the Guild and Elias."

"Understood," Cain said as he looked at Sira,"so what first?"

Sira stood up and tapped the console, soon a series of gauges and lights flickered alive. She pointed to the two hands Cain hand his hands on.

"Those are the flight controls, left stick is yaw and roll," she said,"right stick is pitch. Pedals for thrust vectoring, don't stomp them unless you like throwing your stomach into your throat."

She gestured to a set of switches overhead.

"Power distribution, those are for the engines, shields and weapons. The Jackal can't run them all at full tilt at once, she's too old for that. You'll balance them on the fly. That balance is the difference between limping home and burning up in vacuum."

Cain frowned, scanning the switches as he tried to test it out. When he saw the energy distribution either go away or go to much to one, he fixed it immediately.

"Basically space triage," he said as he nodded,"pick what lives and dies depending on the situation I'm in."

"Exactly," Sira said

Krassok lumbered closer, pointing one claw at the throttle.

"This is your lifeline," Krassok said,"the Jackal is not fast, so do not chase or race. She is heavy. She carries. She endures. Respect her weight. Feel her mass when you push forward."

Cain gave a small nod, his eyes tightening with focus. His heart was bumping as he can't believe he reached this moment, he was gonna fly.

"Okay," he said,"treat her like a beast of burden, not a sports car."

"Hatchling listens, very good," Krassok's said, his mandibles clicked once in approval.

Sira keyed in a startup sequence, showing Cain when he needs to it. The Jackal's engines rumbled to life fully, the cockpit vibrating as systems hummed. Lights flickered across the console, stabilizing one by one.

"Engines are fully online," Sira said and looked at Cain,"she's awake now, you test her."

Cain gripped the yoke carefully, then he eased the throttle forward. The Jackal groaned, but the hangar floor began to tremble as the ship lifted a few feet on its grav-pads. It shook, but nothing enough to cause discomfort, Cain chuckled as he knew his grandfather was say, "Shes just knocking off the old dust, old gal needs to warm her bones up".

"She feels heavy," Cain said,"also like dragging a boulder uphill."

"Good, that's awareness," Sira said,"most rookies overcompensate, slam the throttle, and pancake themselves against the ceiling. You haven't, shows that your feeling her, your trusting her."

Cain gave the faintest smirk, then corrected the yaw. The ship drifted sideways, slower than he expected. But given her class and build, it wasn't builded for speed or agility, but for protection and strength.

"She's a bit sluggish," he said

"She is precise, she obeys those who do not rush her," Krassok said

Cain eased the controls again, steadier this time. The Jackal rotated slowly, nose pointing toward the hangar doors. The bay doors slid open, revealing the Nevada desert stretching wide beneath the morning sun. Sira nodded once at him, giving him the thumbs up to fly as he saw fit.

"Take her out," Sira said

Cain's jaw tightened, but he pushed the throttle slowly. The Jackal rumbled forward, rising higher on its grav-thrusters. Dust scattered across the tarmac as the ship cleared the hangar and hovered above the desert floor. Cain's breath caught in his throat as he steadied her, the adrenaline pumping as he chuckled a bit.

"She's flying," he said,"I'm actually flying a spaceship."

"I know it's thrilling Cain, but focus," Sira said,"keep her balanced and the horizon steady. Don't look at the ground, look at the stars. Even here, think up, not down."

Cain adjusted, sweat beading on his forehead as he nodded, focusing hard. The Jackal wobbled slightly, engines whining, but she held steady when he got control. Krassok's mandibles clicked sharply at this.

"Clumsy, but not dead," Krassok said,"very good progress."

Sira gestured toward a series of holographic beacons projected into the air by DELT's simulation systems. They were a set of maneuvers programmed for Cain to try and fly through.

"I have set your course," Sira said,"fly through each beacon. Smoothly, no jerks or you may damage it and the ship. Think ahead of the ship, by the time you feel her move, it's too late."

Cain took a steady breath and nudged the yoke carefully. The Jackal lumbered toward the first beacon, sluggish but obedient. He lined it up, passed through, then banked toward the second and third. The ship tilted too hard, engines groaning as the nose dipped. Cain cursed under his breath, yanking back hard a bit, making the ship jerk a bit.

"You're overcorrecting," Sira said,"anticipate her, don't wrestle her by force."

He took a deep breathe and adjusted slower this time, letting the Jackal ease into the turn to retry. The second beacon passed smoothly, then the third again. By the fourth, his movements steadied, the wobble was still there, but less pronounced. Cain exhaled at this, his heart slowing down as he managed to get the ship steady

"Okay, I think I'm getting the hang of this," Cain said

"Do not think, know or die," Krassok said

Cain nodded, swallowing hard, and focused on the next task given to him. Sira finally pointed toward back at the hangar bay, back at the course where they started.

"Dock her, but use thrusters only, no throttle," she said,"and balance your power distribution. Engines won't hold if you don't shift energy from weapons."

Cain blinked, scanning the overhead switches above him. He redirected power, shields dimming slightly as engines surged. The Jackal groaned, but responded to the command. Carefully, painfully slowly, Cain adjusted the thrusters, guiding her into the ring. When he was low enough, the docking clamps locked with a metallic thunk.

Cain sagged back into the seat, exhaling hard as he felt his body relax for the first time since then he started. He rubbed his head as he chuckled a bit, he had just flew a spaceship, and he managed to not crash and die, he calls that progress...maybe

"Docked," he said,"holy hell, I actually docked her."

Sira gave him a rare, approving smile, patting his shoulder as she stood up.

"Not bad for a rookie," she said

Krassok rumbled low, but his mandibles clicked once in approval.

"Not dead, improvement," he said and walked out

Cain chuckled as he followed them out

A few moments later

The Red Jackal now sat at the heart of Theta-4's simulation chamber, clamped to the deck while holographic projectors surrounded her in a dome of light. The chamber hummed with power, panels glowing as engineers calibrated the scenario. Cain sat in the pilot's chair, his hands on the controls, sweat already beading along his brow as he got ready

After docking back at the hangar, he was told to report to the simulation chamber for one more tests. So he had got some food, a nap and brushed his teeth. He had arrived where and when he was told, and now waited. Sira stood in the co-pilot's seat, her datapad glowing with mission data. Krassok crouched at the rear of the bridge, his heavy frame looming over Cain like a stone statue.

"This is a training haul," Sira said,"your objective is to deliver your cargo to Dock Station Beta, twenty light-minutes away. You'll face standard obstacles navigation hazards, inspection checkpoints, and maybe interruptions."

"The Black Star Syndicate," Krassok's said, his mandibles clicked ferociously at that name

"You're saying this simulation is going to throw pirates at me," Cain asked,"on my first run?"

"Better you face them here, with us watching," Sira said, her expression was steady and calm,"than out there with no one to save you. Ready?"

Cain exhaled slowly, nodding at the reasoning. He had expected just a simple run, but guess it's better to know how to handle any hostiles in combat. He sighed as he tighten the straps, sighing as he gripped the handles

"Screw it, let's do it," he said

"Hatchling grows," Krassok said, chuckling a bit

The simulation dome flared to life, and the desert hangar melted away into stars. Space stretched wide in every direction, the Jackal floating in orbit above a gas giant painted in streaks of red and gold. Cargo icons blinked on Cain's console: three crates of "medical supplies," marked with Guild insignia.

"Cargo is secured and the destination is uploaded," Sira said,"engage when you're ready."

Cain tightened his grip on the yoke and eased the throttle. The Jackal rumbled forward, her engines groaning in the simulated void. He adjusted her nose toward the glowing waypoint marker and engaged the jump drive. The stars stretched into streaks, the beautiful scenery was memorizing to him, he smiled as he wondered if his grandfather experienced it.

Cain's stomach flipped, but he kept steady. Moments later, the Jackal dropped out of jump.

"Okay, that wasn't too bad," Cain said,"but I doubt it's gonna be smooth sailing from here on out right?"

"Indeed," Sira said

Alarms chirped as a cluster of asteroids appeared ahead, spinning lazily through space. The waypoint marker blinked just beyond them, showing a massive asteroid field with massive rocks, big enough to crush him and the ship if this was real.

"Asteroid field, now maneuver carefully," Sira said,"docking clamps are sensitive to sudden jolts. Damage the cargo, and the run is failed, and you fail the mission."

Cain gritted his teeth, nudging the controls with his hands and his control of his muscles. The Jackal's bulk responded sluggishly, like steering a brick through water or a boulder through heavy traffic. He adjusted the yaw, slipping between two massive rocks, then he saw a smaller asteroid tumbled toward them. Cain swore under his breath, pushing the thrusters slowly as the Jackal scraped past, alarms shrieking.

"Sloppy, cargo almost ruined," Krassok said

Cain steadied his hands, exhaling sharply as he tried to control the anxiety and anger at that snip. He threaded the ship through the final stretch of rock and burst into clear space.

"Cargo intact, I'll take it," Cain said

"Barely, but it's progress," Sira said

Moments later, two Vehlari patrol ships dropped into view, lights flashing bright and aimed at the Jackal. A voice crackled over the comms, translated instantly by Cain's Linguacore.

"Freighter Red Jackal," the voice said,"this is Guild Security. Submit cargo for inspection."

"Protocol, don't resist and submit scan," Sira said

Cain tapped the console, sending the inspection data to the patrol ships. His hands twitched nervously, but the scanner light turned green, meaning he was cleared.

"Cargo verified, safe travels, Jackal," the voice said

The ships broke off, disappearing back into the void. Cain let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding.

"Okay, I can do this," Cain said, trying to to hype himself a bit

"Don't get cocky," Sira said,"the real test is coming."

As if on cue, the console blared with a piercing alarm. Red lights flashed across the bridge, with his scans showing new contacts appeared on the radar. They were fast and closing in. Cain's heart kicked into overdrive, making him grip the yoke tighter, sweat slicking his palms.

"Enemy signature, Syndicate raider," Krassok said,"hey are hunting you."

"Of course they are," Cain said

The raider dropped out of jump in front of them, a jagged black vessel bristling with weapons. Its comm crackled, a distorted voice snarling:

"Jackal, cut engines and jettison cargo or screaming," the voice said

Cain took a breath as he looked at Sira, her face showed no emotions as she waited for him to do something. He looked at the scan, then the cargo in the cargo haul, and remembered what they all said, what his grandfather would say. He wasn't gonna give up, that would be something a bitch would do, his grandfather would fight to protect the cargo

"The Haul is Sacred," he said

"The Haul is Sacred," the two Runners said

"Fight," Krassok said, almost smiling

Cain redirected power from shields to weapons, which were humming to life. The Jackal's turrets swiveled, targeting the raider approaching them.

"Alright, let's see what you can do, old girl," Cain said

The raider opened fire first, red plasma bolts slamming into the Jackal's shields, then shield glowing blue. The ship rocked violently, alarms wailing as a screen showing where the damage was. Cain gritted his teeth, adjusting the yoke to keep them steady, aiming the turrets and blasts back.

"Shields at sixty," Cain said,"retuning fire!"

"Lead them, don't chase," Sira said to him,"turn the advantage in your favor."

Cain squeezed the trigger on the weapons console, the turrets firing blue bolts of plasma back at the Raider. The Jackal's turrets barked, bolts of plasma streaking across space as the two ship did a space dog fight. They clipped the raider's wing, sparks flying as the enemy veered to weaken the ship.

"Aim center mass," Krassok said,"its kill or be killed."

Cain adjusted the targeting controls, tracking the raider as it swooped around for another pass. He redirected more power to weapons, sacrificing engine thrust to make it a killing blow. The Jackal groaned, slowing, but the next volley struck dead-on target, hitting the cockpit and engines The raider shuddered under the impact, smoke trailing and hits a asteroid.

"Got it," Cain said, sighing as he rerouted the power back to the engines,"is that it? Or is there more to come?

"Simulation complete," Sira said,"the cargo intact, meaning the objective has been achieved."

The holographic dome flickered, fading back into the sterile walls of the simulation chamber. The Red Jackal sat humming quietly, her engines cooling down from the mock battle. Cain slumped back in the pilot's chair, exhausted but grinning faintly as he chuckled a bit. Krassok rumbled low, mandibles clicking in approval at Cains actions .

"Not dead, cargo safe," Krassok said,"you learn well."

Sira allowed herself a small smile, her silver eyes softening a bit.

"Your grandfather would have been proud," Sira said

"Guess I passed the test, then," Cain asked as he leaned back, wiping his brow with his sleeve.

"You passed a test, the galaxy won't be so forgiving. But today you proved you're not just Elias' grandson. You're close to being a true Runner."

Cain looked out through the viewport at the empty hangar, the Red Jackal sitting proud beneath him. For the first time, he didn't feel fear, or the burden of legacy. A spark of belonging, something he hasn't had felt in a while.

"Hope you're watching Gramps," Cain said,"cause damn this is fun."